olvidas
“olvidas” means “you forget” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
you forget
Also: you are forgetting
📝 In Action
¿Por qué siempre olvidas mi cumpleaños?
A2Why do you always forget my birthday?
Si olvidas las llaves, no podremos entrar.
B1If you forget the keys, we won't be able to enter.
you leave behind
Also: you neglect
📝 In Action
Siempre olvidas el paraguas en el autobús.
B1You always leave the umbrella on the bus.
Si olvidas el pasado, no aprendes nada.
C1If you forget/leave behind the past, you learn nothing.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: olvidas
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the pronominal form of 'olvidar'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *oblitare*, which itself comes from *oblivisci*, meaning 'to forget' or 'to cease to remember'. The Spanish word has kept its meaning very close to the original Latin root.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'olvidas' formal or informal?
'Olvidas' is the 'tú' form, which means it is informal. You use it when speaking directly to a friend, family member, child, or anyone you address casually. For formal situations (like speaking to a boss or elder), you would use 'olvida' (the 'usted' form).
What is the difference between 'olvidas' and 'te olvidas'?
Both mean 'you forget.' 'Olvidas' is the simple version. 'Te olvidas' (the reflexive/pronominal version) is generally more common and is often used when the forgetting is viewed as accidental or involuntary, or when you are emphasizing the act of letting something slip your mind.