Inklingo

How to Say "you forget" in Spanish

English → Spanish

olvidas

/ol-VEE-das//olˈβi.ðas/

verbA2informal
Use 'olvidas' when you are directly addressing one person informally (tú) and talking about them habitually or currently forgetting something.
A storybook illustration of a person scratching their head with a puzzled expression, indicating they are trying to remember something they forgot.

Examples

¿Por qué siempre olvidas mi cumpleaños?

Why do you always forget my birthday?

Si olvidas las llaves, no podremos entrar.

If you forget the keys, we won't be able to enter.

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).

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.)

dejas

DEH-hahs/ˈdexas/

verbA1
Use 'dejas' when referring to the act of leaving an object behind unintentionally, implying it was forgotten in a specific place.
A cartoon figure walking away from a bright red suitcase they forgot or abandoned on a grassy path.

Examples

¿Dónde dejas las llaves cuando llegas a casa?

Where do you leave the keys when you get home?

Siempre dejas tu cama sin hacer.

You always leave your bed unmade.

Si dejas ese libro aquí, se mojará.

If you leave that book here, it will get wet.

When 'Dejar' means 'Forget'

In Spanish, if you accidentally leave an item somewhere, you use 'dejar' (or 'olvidar'), not a verb related to 'forgetting' a memory.

Mixing up Leaving Things vs. People

Mistake: “Using 'abandonar' for leaving simple objects behind.”

Correction: Use 'dejar' for objects (Dejas el teléfono en la mesa). Use 'abandonar' or 'irse' (go away) for people/places.

olvide

/ohl-VEE-deh//olˈbiðe/

verbA2formal/subjunctive
Use 'olvide' in the present subjunctive, typically when expressing a hope, wish, or doubt about someone (formal 'usted' or a third person) forgetting something.
A small, simplified character (a person) stands with a confused expression. Above their head, a brightly colored object, like a red key, is visibly dissolving into thin white smoke, symbolizing a lost memory.

Examples

Espero que no olvide la llave.

I hope that he/she doesn't forget the key.

No olvide firmar el documento, por favor.

Please, don't forget to sign the document. (Formal command to 'usted')

Si yo olvide el código, ¿qué hago?

If I forget the code, what do I do? (Using 'olvide' as the 'yo' subjunctive form, often after 'si' for future uncertainty)

The 'Special Wish' Form

'Olvide' is a special verb form (the present subjunctive) used when you express wishes, emotions, doubts, or suggestions about actions that aren't certain yet. You often see it after phrases like 'Espero que...' (I hope that...).

Formal Negative Command

When you want to give a polite, formal command telling someone ('usted') NOT to forget, you use 'No olvide.' The negative command always uses this special verb form.

Mixing Command Forms

Mistake: “No olvida la contraseña. (Using the indicative 'olvida' for a formal command)”

Correction: No olvide la contraseña. (The formal negative command must use the 'olvide' form.)

Forgetting the 'Que'

Mistake: “Quiero olvide mi cumpleaños.”

Correction: Quiero que olvide mi cumpleaños. (If the subject changes—'I want that he/she forgets'—you must use 'que' and the special verb form.)

Confusing 'olvidas' with 'dejas'

Learners often confuse 'olvidas' (to forget) with 'dejas' (you leave behind). Remember that 'olvidas' refers to the mental act of forgetting, while 'dejas' implies physically leaving something somewhere, often unintentionally.

Related Translations

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