olvidaba
“olvidaba” means “was forgetting” in Spanish (an ongoing action in the past).
was forgetting, used to forget
Also: I almost forgot
📝 In Action
De niño, siempre olvidaba mi mochila en la escuela.
A2As a child, I always used to forget my backpack at school.
¡Ah, se me olvidaba! Traje el libro que me pediste.
B1Oh, I almost forgot! I brought the book you asked for.
Él olvidaba las llaves cada vez que salía de prisa.
A2He was forgetting his keys every time he left in a hurry.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "olvidaba" in Spanish:
was forgetting→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: olvidaba
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence means 'I used to forget my lunch every day'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the verb 'olvidar,' which comes from the Latin 'oblivitari,' a frequentative form of 'oblivisci' (to forget).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'olvidaba' refers to 'me' or 'someone else'?
You usually tell by the context of the conversation. If it's unclear, Spanish speakers will add 'yo' (I) or 'él/ella' (he/she) to make it clear.
Is 'olvidaba' formal or informal?
It's neutral! You can use it with friends, family, or in a business meeting without any issues.