olvidas
/ol-VEE-das/
you forget
The image shows someone struggling to recall information, illustrating the meaning 'you forget'.
olvidas(verb)
you forget
?informal singular, present action
you are forgetting
?continuous action
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Se' Difference
The verb 'olvidar' can be used alone (Tú olvidas...) or with 'se' (Tú te olvidas de...). Using 'te olvidas' emphasizes that the forgetting happened accidentally or that you actively neglected something.
Preposition 'de'
When using 'olvidarse' (the version with 'se'), you must usually follow it with the preposition 'de' before the thing you forgot: 'Te olvidas de la cita' (You forget about the appointment).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the 'de'
Mistake: "Te olvidas la llave."
Correction: Te olvidas de la llave. (When using 'te olvidas', Spanish almost always needs the little word 'de' before the thing forgotten.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Use 'Se' for Accidents
If you want to say something was forgotten accidentally, use 'Se me olvidó' (I forgot it, literally 'It forgot itself to me'). This is much more common than 'Yo olvidé'.
This image illustrates the meaning 'you leave behind' by showing an item forgotten and left in a public place.
olvidas(verb)
you leave behind
?unintentionally leaving an item
you neglect
?to fail to take care of something
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Object Use
When 'olvidas' means 'to leave something behind,' it acts like a normal verb and takes the forgotten item directly after it, without needing the word 'de'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context Clues
If the thing being forgotten is a physical object (like a phone or keys), 'olvidas' often means 'you leave it behind.' If it's a memory or a task, it means 'you forget it.'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: olvidas
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the pronominal form of 'olvidar'?
📚 More Resources
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.