Spanish Phrase
No te olvides de tus útiles escolares.
Meaning
This phrase is a common reminder to someone not to leave behind or neglect their school materials. It emphasizes the importance of being prepared for school by having all necessary items. It's a direct and practical instruction often used by parents or guardians.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase when speaking to a student, child, or even a peer, before they leave for school or when packing their bag. It serves as a gentle but firm reminder to ensure they have everything they need for their classes.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Noteolvidesdetusútiles escolares
No (Negation)
'No' is placed directly before the conjugated verb to form a negative command or statement in Spanish. It's essential for expressing prohibition or absence.
Te olvides (Reflexive Verb 'Olvidarse')
'Olvidarse' is a reflexive verb meaning 'to forget.' The 'te' is the reflexive pronoun corresponding to 'tú' (you, informal). It's very common to use 'olvidarse de' when forgetting an object or a task.
De (Preposition)
The preposition 'de' is commonly used after 'olvidarse' when referring to the specific thing being forgotten. It functions similarly to 'about' or 'of' in English, linking the verb to the forgotten item.
Tus (Possessive Adjective)
'Tus' is the plural possessive adjective for 'your' (informal, singular 'tú'). It must agree in number with the noun it modifies, which in this case is the plural 'útiles escolares'.
Útiles escolares (Noun Phrase)
This phrase translates to 'school supplies.' 'Útiles' means 'useful things' or 'supplies,' and 'escolares' is an adjective meaning 'school-related,' modifying 'útiles'.
🗨In Conversation
Antes de salir, ¡no te olvides de tus útiles escolares!
Before leaving, don't forget your school supplies!
¡Claro que no! Ya los revisé y los tengo todos.
Of course not! I already checked them and have them all.
✕Common Mistakes
No olvides tus útiles escolares.
While 'olvidar' without 'se' is grammatically correct, 'olvidarse de' is much more common in everyday speech when forgetting an object or task. The reflexive form emphasizes the act of forgetting on the subject.
No te olvides tus útiles escolares.
When 'olvidarse' is used reflexively, it typically requires the preposition 'de' before the object being forgotten, similar to 'forget about' in English.
↔Alternatives
Acuérdate de llevar tus útiles escolares.
Remember to bring your school supplies.
No dejes tus útiles escolares.
Don't leave your school supplies.
Lleva todo lo que necesitas para la escuela.
Bring everything you need for school.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, family plays a central role in a child's education, and parents or older siblings often take an active role in ensuring children are prepared for school. This phrase reflects that supportive and often directive dynamic. Being prepared for school is generally highly valued, and reminders like this are common.