How to Say "don't lose!" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “don't lose!” is “pierdas” — A2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
Te lo doy para que no lo pierdas.
I'm giving it to you so that you don't lose it.
¡No pierdas esta oportunidad, es única!
Don't miss this opportunity, it's unique!
Siento mucho que pierdas la final del torneo.
I'm very sorry that you are losing the tournament final.
The Subjunctive Trigger
You use 'pierdas' (a special verb form) when the sentence expresses a wish, doubt, emotion, or necessity from a different person: 'Quiero que pierdas...' (I want that you lose...).
Negative Commands
When you tell someone (tú, informal 'you') not to do something, you must use this form: '¡No pierdas el tren!' (Don't miss the train!).
Stem Change Reminder
The base verb 'perder' changes its vowel from 'e' to 'ie' in almost all present tense forms, including 'pierdas.' Remember: e -> ie.
Using the Wrong Form in Commands
Mistake: “No pierdes tiempo.”
Correction: No pierdas tiempo. (The negative 'tú' command always uses the special subjunctive form, 'pierdas.')
Mixing up 'Lose' and 'Miss'
Mistake: “Usar 'extrañar' para un bus. (e.g., Extrañé el bus.)”
Correction: Perdí el autobús. ('Perder' means both 'to lose' an object and 'to miss' transportation in Spanish.)
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.