Inklingo

How to Say "lose" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pierda

/pyehr-dah//ˈpjeɾða/

verbA1formal/subjunctive
Use 'pierda' when expressing a wish, hope, or a formal command (usted form) that someone or oneself loses something.
A close-up view of a hand accidentally dropping a shiny gold key onto bright green grass.

Examples

Espero que no pierda mi teléfono otra vez.

I hope I don't lose my phone again.

Dígale que no pierda el tiempo con esas cosas.

Tell him not to waste time with those things.

Aunque el equipo sea fuerte, existe la posibilidad de que pierda.

Even if the team is strong, there is a possibility that it might lose.

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).

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'.)

pierde

pee-AIR-deh/'pjeɾ.ðe/

verbA2informal/indicative
Use 'pierde' for the informal command (tú form) or when describing an action in the present indicative where 'he/she/it loses' or 'you (tú) lose'.
A sad bear cub watches its bright red balloon float away into the sky, symbolizing loss.

Examples

Mi perro siempre se escapa y pierde su collar.

My dog always escapes and loses his collar.

Mi perro siempre se escapa y **pierde** su collar.

My dog always escapes and loses his collar.

Si no practica, el equipo **pierde** todos los partidos.

If he doesn't practice, the team loses every game.

¡Si sabes la respuesta, no **pierde** tiempo!

If you know the answer, don't lose time! (Informal command)

The 'Shoe Verb' Change

The verb 'perder' is irregular because the 'e' changes to 'ie' in most forms, except for the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms. This is called a stem change.

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: “Él perde su teléfono.”

Correction: Él pierde su teléfono. Remember that 'e' turns into 'ie' when stressed.

Indicative vs. Subjunctive Mood

The most common mistake is confusing the indicative mood ('pierde' for present actions) with the subjunctive mood ('pierda' for wishes or commands). Remember that 'pierde' is for stating facts or habits, while 'pierda' is for expressing desires or hypothetical situations.

Related Translations

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