pierda
pyehr-dah
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Espero que no pierda mi teléfono otra vez.
A2I hope I don't lose my phone again.
Dígale que no pierda el tiempo con esas cosas.
B1Tell him not to waste time with those things.
Aunque el equipo sea fuerte, existe la posibilidad de que pierda.
B2Even if the team is strong, there is a possibility that it might lose.
¡Que usted no pierda la esperanza!
A1May you (formal) not lose hope!
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive Mood
This form ('pierda') is used when you express wishes, uncertainty, emotions, or opinions about the actions of others (or yourself). It signals that the action hasn't happened yet or is not a guaranteed fact.
Stem Change
The verb perder is irregular. The 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' in most present tense forms, including 'pierda', but not in the 'we' (nosotros) or 'you all' (vosotros) forms (e.g., perdamos).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong mood
Mistake: "No creo que él pierde."
Correction: No creo que él pierda. (When expressing doubt or disbelief, Spanish requires the special verb form, 'pierda', not the simple fact form, 'pierde'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Commands
'Pierda' is the negative command for formal 'you' (usted): 'No pierda su boleto' (Don't lose your ticket).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pierda
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'pierda'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the verb change from 'perder' to 'pierda'?
This is a very common irregularity in Spanish verbs! The 'e' in the middle of the verb changes to 'ie' when the stress falls on that syllable. This is called a stem change (e-to-ie), and it happens in the present tense and present subjunctive forms.
Is 'pierda' used for 'I' or for 'he/she'?
Both! In the special mood used for wishes and uncertainty (the subjunctive), 'yo' (I), 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), and 'usted' (formal you) all use the exact same form: 'pierda'.