Forgetting something can happen to anyone, no matter how organized or attentive they are. When communicating in Spanish, it’s essential to know how to express this common occurrence. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to say “I forgot” in Spanish, covering both formal and informal expressions. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
When speaking formally or in professional settings, it’s important to use proper etiquette to convey your forgetfulness. Here are some formal ways to say “I forgot” in Spanish, along with tips and examples:
1. Se me olvidó
One of the most common expressions used in formal situations is “se me olvidó,” which translates to “I forgot.” This phrase is in the reflexive form, emphasizing the involuntary nature of forgetting. It is commonly used when referring to a single event or a specific piece of information. Here’s an example:
Example:
Lo siento, se me olvidó comprar los boletos para la reunión. (I’m sorry, I forgot to buy the tickets for the meeting.)
Note that “se me olvidó” agrees with the gender and number of the item forgotten. For instance, if you forgot multiple things, you would say “se me olvidaron.”
2. Olvidé
An alternative to “se me olvidó” is the straightforward phrase “olvidé,” which translates to “I forgot.” This expression is still considered formal, but it doesn’t use the reflexive form. Here’s an example:
Example:
Olvidé enviar el informe a tiempo. (I forgot to send the report on time.)
“Olvidé” is a simple and direct way to express forgetfulness but is often used to refer to a specific action or task rather than general forgetfulness.
Informal Expressions:
When speaking with friends, family, or in informal settings, you can utilize more relaxed and colloquial phrases to convey your forgetfulness. Here are some informal expressions along with tips and examples:
1. Me volé la barda
A popular informal Mexican expression for “I forgot” is “me volé la barda,” which can be translated as “I flew over the fence.” It’s a playful way to acknowledge forgetfulness. Here’s an example:
Example:
Ay, mamá, me volé la barda y olvidé recoger las llaves del coche. (Oh, mom, I totally flew over the fence and forgot to pick up the car keys.)
This expression might have some regional variation, primarily used in Mexico and parts of Central America. However, it’s worth noting that idioms and informal phrases may vary across regions.
2. Se me fue el santo al cielo
An informal expression used in Spain is “se me fue el santo al cielo,” which translates to “the saint flew away from me to heaven.” It’s a humorous way to admit forgetfulness. Here’s an example:
Example:
Vaya, se me fue el santo al cielo y olvidé comprar el pan. (Oops, the saint flew away from me to heaven, and I forgot to buy bread.)
This expression is not exclusive to Spain, but it’s more commonly used in the regional dialects of Spanish spoken there.
Tips for Polite Expressions:
Regardless of whether you’re using a formal or informal expression, it’s important to maintain politeness and show respect when acknowledging your forgetfulness. Here are some general tips to consider:
- Apologize: Start your sentence by apologizing for your forgetfulness.
- Be sincere: Express genuine regret for the inconvenience caused by your forgetfulness.
- Suggest a solution: Whenever possible, propose a solution or offer to make up for the mistake.
By incorporating these tips into your expressions, you’ll convey politeness even when admitting forgetfulness.
With these phrases and tips, you can confidently express forgetfulness in both formal and informal settings in Spanish. Remember, language evolves, and regional variations may exist, so always be open to different expressions you may encounter while interacting with native Spanish speakers.
¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
