olvidar

to forget

verb ohl-bee-DAHR Less Common

Origin: From Latin oblitare.

Usage Note

Olvidar is most naturally used reflexively as olvidarse de + infinitive/noun: me olvidé de llamarte (I forgot to call you). The non-reflexive form olvidar algo (to forget something) is also correct but slightly more formal. Do not confuse with perder (to lose) — you forget information but lose objects, though in everyday speech the lines sometimes blur.

Examples

"No olvides tu pasaporte en casa."

Natural Translation

Don't forget your passport at home.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

El or La? Spanish Noun Gender Rules Made Simple

El or la? Spanish noun gender is ~99% readable off the word's ending. Learn the o/a defaults, LONERS, feminine endings, and the handful of rebels to memorize.

June 3, 2026 7 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Reflexive Verbs: Me, Te, Se Made Clear

Spanish reflexive verbs use me, te, se for actions you do to yourself. Master the daily-routine pattern, pronoun placement, and shifts like dormir vs dormirse.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spain vs Latin American Spanish: Key Differences

Spain and Latin American Spanish are fully mutually intelligible. Compare vosotros vs ustedes, coche vs carro, the 'th' sound, and learn which one to study.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Roll Your Rs in Spanish (Even If You Can't Yet)

Roll your Rs in Spanish by building from the butter sound you already make, then adding airflow. A step-by-step method, minimal pairs, and self-check drills.

June 3, 2026 7 min read