pierdo
/pyehr-doh/
I lose
Pierdo (I lose) my keys all the time.
pierdo(verb)
I lose
?misplacing an item or failing a game
I am losing
?in a game or competition right now
📝 In Action
Siempre pierdo un calcetín cuando lavo la ropa.
A1I always lose a sock when I wash clothes.
Si no estudio, pierdo el examen de mañana.
A2If I don't study, I lose (fail) tomorrow's exam.
No me gusta jugar al ajedrez porque casi siempre pierdo.
A1I don't like playing chess because I almost always lose.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'E to IE' Change
In the present tense, the 'e' inside the verb changes to 'ie' (perder → pierdo). This change happens for all forms except 'nosotros' (we) and 'vosotros' (you plural, informal).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: "Yo perdo el partido."
Correction: Yo pierdo el partido. (Remember that 'e' changes to 'ie' in the 'I' form.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Perder' vs. 'Faltar'
Use 'perder' when you are the one failing to keep track or catch something. Don't use it to mean 'to miss' someone emotionally; that's 'extrañar'.
Pierdo (I miss) the bus if I don't wake up early.
pierdo(verb)
I miss
?a bus, train, or flight
I fail to catch
?transportation
📝 In Action
Si salgo tarde de casa, pierdo el autobús.
A2If I leave home late, I miss the bus.
No quiero quedarme a charlar, o pierdo mi vuelo.
B1I don't want to stay chatting, or I'll miss my flight.
💡 Grammar Points
Immediate Future
Even though 'pierdo' is the present tense, it is often used to talk about an immediate future consequence: 'If X happens, I lose Y' ('Si no me apuro, pierdo el tren').
Pierdo (I waste) my effort trying to fix that old bike.
📝 In Action
Si no hay un plan, pierdo demasiado tiempo pensando.
B1If there is no plan, I waste too much time thinking.
No pierdo dinero en cosas que no necesito.
B1I don't waste money on things I don't need.
⭐ Usage Tips
Fixed Phrase
The phrase 'perder el tiempo' (to waste time) is extremely common. You will hear it often.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pierdo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'pierdo' to mean 'I miss' (transportation)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
If 'pierdo' means 'I lose,' how do I say 'I got lost'?
You use the reflexive form of the verb, 'perderse.' The conjugation would be 'Me pierdo' (I get lost) or 'Me perdí' (I got lost, past tense).
Is 'pierdo' always about physical loss?
No. While it often means losing an object or a game, it is frequently used figuratively, like 'perder la calma' (to lose calm) or 'perder el hilo' (to lose the thread/topic).