pierdes
/pee-AIR-des/
you lose
When you suffer a loss in a game or competition, you pierdes.
pierdes(verb)
you lose
?as in, to suffer a loss
you are losing
?present continuous sense
,you misplace
?when referring to an object
📝 In Action
Si no miras el mapa, pierdes el camino.
A2If you don't look at the map, you lose the way.
¿Por qué siempre pierdes las llaves?
A1Why do you always lose your keys?
Si juegas mal, pierdes el partido.
A2If you play badly, you lose the match.
💡 Grammar Points
Stem-Changing Verb
The verb 'perder' is tricky because the 'e' changes to 'ie' in the present tense (like 'pierdes'), except for the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms.
Using 'tú'
'Pierdes' is only used when you are talking directly to one person in a casual, familiar way (like saying 'you' to a friend or family member).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: "Tú perdes (Incorrect)"
Correction: Tú pierdes. Remember the vowel change in the present tense for 'tú'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Opposite of Ganar
Think of 'perder' as the direct opposite of 'ganar' (to win). If you don't win, you 'pierdes'.
If you fail to catch the bus or train, you pierdes it.
pierdes(verb)
you miss
?as in, to fail to catch or attend
you waste
?when referring to time or money
📝 In Action
Si llegas tarde, pierdes el tren.
B1If you arrive late, you miss the train.
Si no estudias, pierdes una gran oportunidad.
B1If you don't study, you miss a great opportunity.
Si no te apuras, pierdes la entrada al concierto.
B2If you don't hurry up, you miss the concert entry.
💡 Grammar Points
Missing vs. Missing
English uses 'miss' for both sentimental absence ('I miss you') and failing to catch ('I miss the bus'). Spanish uses 'perder' only for the latter (missing a bus/opportunity). For sentimental absence, use 'extrañar' or 'echar de menos'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'perder' for sentimental missing
Mistake: "Tú pierdes a tu familia (Incorrect for 'You miss your family')"
Correction: Tú extrañas a tu familia. Use 'perder' only for things you can physically lose or miss.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Conditional Sentences
'Pierdes' is very common in 'if... then...' sentences (called conditional sentences) when warning someone about a negative consequence: 'Si no estudias, pierdes el examen' (If you don't study, you fail/lose the exam).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pierdes
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'pierdes' correctly to mean 'you miss (a chance)'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'pierdes' and 'pierda'?
'Pierdes' is the form you use when stating a fact or asking a direct question ('Tú pierdes el juego' - You are losing the game). 'Pierda' is the special form (subjunctive) used when expressing wishes, doubts, or indirect commands, usually after 'que' ('Espero que no pierdas' - I hope that you don't lose).
Is 'pierdes' formal or informal?
'Pierdes' is the informal way to address one person (tú form). If you need to be formal or address someone you don't know well, you should use 'pierde' (the usted form).