How to Say "forfeit" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “forfeit” is “pérdida” — use 'pérdida' when referring to the general act or consequence of losing something, such as giving up a right, an opportunity, or a physical possession.
Use 'pérdida' when referring to the general act or consequence of losing something, such as giving up a right, an opportunity, or a physical possession.
Learn more →
Use 'prenda' when referring to an object that is given as a pledge or security, essentially a forfeit in the sense of collateral.
Learn more →Examples
La pérdida de la partida fue mi culpa.
Losing the game was my fault.
PREN-dahˈpɾenda
Examples
Dejó su reloj en prenda para asegurar el pago.
He left his watch as a pledge to secure the payment.
Dejó su reloj en prenda para pagar la deuda.
He left his watch as a pledge to pay the debt.
Te doy este anillo en prenda de mi amor.
I give you this ring as a token of my love.
En el juego, los que pierden tienen que entregar una prenda.
In the game, those who lose have to hand over a forfeit (an object).
Using 'en prenda'
Use the phrase 'en prenda' when you want to say something is being used as collateral or a guarantee.
Pérdida vs. Prenda
Learners often confuse 'pérdida' and 'prenda' because both can relate to losing something. Remember that 'pérdida' is the general loss, while 'prenda' specifically refers to an item used as collateral or a pledge.
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.