olvidé tu nombre
/olbide tu nombɾe/from spelling rules
To say "I forgot your name" in Spanish, use olvidé tu nombre.
This phrase is used to tell someone that you cannot remember what they are called. In many conversational situations, speakers prefer to use the construction se me olvidó tu nombre, which translates to "your name slipped my mind." This reflexive form is very common and sounds more natural because it implies the memory loss was an accidental slip rather than a personal failure.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of olvidé (I forgot), tu (your) and nombre (name).
Which one should you use?
While olvidé tu nombre is grammatically correct, the reflexive form se me olvidó tu nombre is often preferred in conversation to soften the statement.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you might use the phrase Perdona, ¿me puedes decir tu nombre otra vez? (Sorry, can you tell me your name again?). In Latin America, a common way to ask is Disculpa, ¿me dices tu nombre de nuevo? (Excuse me, can you tell me your name again?).
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the level of formality, you can replace the informal tu with the formal su, resulting in olvidé su nombre.
Did you know?
- The word nombre is also a common slang contraction of the phrase ¡no, hombre!, used to express disbelief or to say 'no way'.
- While English speakers often say 'I forgot', a native Spanish speaker might say 'It forgot itself to me' by using the structure se me olvidó.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the formal su is used not just for strangers, but to show respect to elders or superiors even if they are acquaintances.
Examples in context
- Lo siento, olvidé tu nombre.I'm sorry, I forgot your name.This sentence is useful for expressing an apology when you have forgotten someone's name using the form olvidé tu nombre.Tatoeba #2988680 by marcelostockle, translation #2542354 by CK
Example conversation
Alejandro and María meet again at a party.
- AlejandroHola, mucho gusto en verte.Hi, it's nice to see you.
- MaríaIgualmente, Alejandro.Likewise, Alejandro.
- AlejandroLo siento mucho, olvidé tu nombre.I am very sorry, I forgot your name.
- MaríaNo te preocupes, soy María.Don't worry, I'm María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nombre, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
