Inklingo

How to Say "you waste" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pierdes

pee-AIR-des/pjeɾðes/

verbB1
Use 'pierdes' when you are talking about losing something valuable, like time or money, often due to a specific action or circumstance.
A person running with an outstretched hand, looking frustrated as a large, red bus drives away, showing they failed to catch it.

Examples

Si no estudias, pierdes la oportunidad de aprobar el examen.

If you don't study, you waste the opportunity to pass the exam.

Si llegas tarde, pierdes el tren.

If you arrive late, you miss the train.

Si no estudias, pierdes una gran oportunidad.

If you don't study, you miss a great opportunity.

Si no te apuras, pierdes la entrada al concierto.

If you don't hurry up, you miss the concert entry.

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'.

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.

tiras

TEE-rahs/ˈtiɾas/

verbA1
Use 'tiras' when referring to physically throwing something away, or metaphorically discarding something like money or an opportunity carelessly.
A colorful illustration showing a young person standing outdoors, mid-action, throwing a bright red ball high into the air.

Examples

No tires el dinero en cosas innecesarias.

Don't waste money on unnecessary things.

¿Por qué tiras la basura aquí? Hay un bote.

Why are you throwing the trash here? There's a can.

Si tiras muy fuerte de la cuerda, se va a romper.

If you pull the rope too hard, it's going to break.

Tú tiras el dinero en cosas inútiles.

You waste money on useless things.

Using 'Tú' vs. 'Usted'

'Tiras' is only used when you are speaking directly to one person in an informal way (like a friend or child). For formal situations, use 'Usted tira'.

Pierdes vs. Tiras

Learners often confuse 'pierdes' and 'tiras' when talking about wasting money or opportunities. Remember, 'pierdes' implies a loss due to circumstances or inaction, while 'tiras' suggests actively discarding or throwing away something carelessly.

Related Translations

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