¿Me perdonas?
The English phrase "do you forgive me?" is translated into Spanish as ¿Me perdonas?
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of me (me) and perdonas (you forgive), which literally translates to "You forgive me".
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the formal "you" (usted) when asking for forgiveness, use ¿Me perdona usted? instead of the informal ¿Me perdonas?
When do people say it?
A common response to the informal ¿Me perdonas? is Sí, te perdono (Yes, I forgive you). To say "I don't forgive you" in response to the informal question, use No te perdono.
Did you know?
- The word perdón is frequently used in Spanish to express disbelief or to ask someone to repeat something, similar to the English 'I beg your pardon?'
- The verb perdonar can also mean 'to let someone off the hook' regarding a debt or a payment, essentially meaning the money is forgiven.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a request for forgiveness is often accompanied by a physical gesture such as a light touch on the arm or a hug to signal sincerity.
Examples in context
- Lo siento mucho por lo que hice. ¿Me perdonas?I'm really sorry for what I did. Do you forgive me?
- Lo siento mucho, ¿me perdonas?I am very sorry, do you forgive me?
- No quería olvidarlo, ¿me perdonas?I didn't want to forget it, do you forgive me?
Example conversation
Daniel is apologizing to María after a misunderstanding.
- DanielLo siento mucho, María.I am very sorry, María.
- MaríaTodavía estoy un poco enfadada.I am still a little angry.
- Daniel¿Me perdonas?Do you forgive me?
- MaríaEstá bien, te perdono.Okay, I forgive you.
