olvídate
/ohl-VEE-dah-teh/
forget it
When used as an informal command, 'olvídate' means 'forget it' or 'let it go.'
olvídate(Verb)
forget it
?as an informal command (tú)
stop worrying
?when dismissing a concern
,drop it
?when telling someone to stop talking about a topic
📝 In Action
Olvídate de la llave. La encontramos después.
A2Forget about the key. We'll find it later.
Tienes que olvidarte de lo que pasó ayer.
B1You have to forget what happened yesterday. (Note: this uses the infinitive form)
Olvídate de ese chico, no te conviene.
B2Forget about that guy, he's not right for you.
💡 Grammar Points
The Reflexive Command
This word is the informal command ('tú' form) of 'olvidarse' (to forget). When giving an affirmative command, the reflexive pronoun 'te' is physically attached to the end of the verb.
Stress Shift and Tilde
The original command 'olvida' is stressed on the first syllable. When you attach 'te', the stress stays on the 'i', requiring the accent mark (tílde) on the 'i': olVÍdate.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Accent
Mistake: "olvidate"
Correction: olvídate. The accent is essential to maintain the correct pronunciation and stress when the pronoun is attached.
Using the Negative Form
Mistake: "No olvídate"
Correction: No te olvides. For negative commands, the pronoun 'te' must come before the verb and cannot be attached to the end.
⭐ Usage Tips
Preposition 'De'
The verb 'olvidarse' almost always requires the small word 'de' (of/about) before the thing being forgotten: 'Olvídate de tu trabajo' (Forget about your job).
'Olvídate' can also be used as an interjection meaning 'No way!' or 'That's impossible!'
olvídate(Interjection)
No way!
?expressing impossibility
,Forget it!
?expressing dismissal
Don't even think about it
?strong rejection
📝 In Action
¿Me prestarías tu coche nuevo? ¡Olvídate!
B2Would you lend me your new car? Forget it!
Olvídate, nunca vamos a terminar este proyecto a tiempo.
C1Forget it (or: No chance), we are never going to finish this project on time.
💡 Grammar Points
Used as an Expression
When used alone, '¡Olvídate!' acts like a single expressive word, similar to saying 'Impossible!' or 'No way!' in English.
⭐ Usage Tips
Tone Matters
Use '¡Olvídate!' with caution, as it can sound abrupt or strong. It's best reserved for informal conversations with friends.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: olvídate
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'olvídate'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'olvídate' have an accent mark (tílde)?
'Olvídate' is the affirmative command 'olvida' with the pronoun 'te' attached. In Spanish, when a pronoun is added to a verb form, the original stress must be preserved. Since 'olvida' stresses the 'i', the accent mark is needed to keep the stress on the third-to-last syllable when 'te' is added.
What is the difference between 'olvidar' and 'olvidarse'?
'Olvidar' is usually used when you forget a specific piece of information or item ('Olvidé el libro' - I forgot the book). 'Olvidarse' (the root of 'olvídate') is reflexive and often implies forgetting something completely or letting it slip from your mind, and it usually requires the little word 'de' (of/about).