"Se me olvidó" clarification

Question

Hi, I am having trouble understanding the construction of something like "se me olvidó mi dinero" (I forgot my money)

So from my understanding, 'se' makes it passive (like saying "__ was forgotten")

And I guess the "me" makes it directed to you? I guess my question is why is it not "yo"? I was thinking that perhaps it could be olvidarse, the reflexive form. But wouldn't it be "me olvidé" instead of "olvidó"?

Thank you!

The money was forgotten (on/by) me?- The money was forgotten and it happened to me. - bosquederoble, May 13, 2015

Thank you, that's a good way to think of it! - Jambooflamingo, May 13, 2015

Answer 1

"Se me olvidó el dinero." Literally the money forgot itself to me.

It is similar to " The money, it slipped my mind."

Another example: "Se me cayeron las llaves". -Literally, the keys fell to me.

Or the keys slipped out of my hand.

It's a little like trying to avoid responsibility. Instead of saying "I forgot the money" you say "it slipped my mind."

Instead of saying "I dropped the keys." you say " The keys fell out of my hand.

This construction appears in many college textbooks. It's very common.

This construction is called "Se for Unplanned Events" and is found on page 326 of "Panorama" 4th edition.

Gracias por tu ayuda! I see, so the 'me' is acting as an object, as the event of forgetting is happening to you, and the olvidó is referring to the money (or thing) doing the action to you. Not used to thinking that way, but I am getting the hang of it! - Jambooflamingo, May 13, 2015

Daniela, we appreciate the investment in time you make answering these questions--immensely helpful. Gracias. - jrschenk, May 13, 2015

Yes this is exactly it because it is perfectly possible to say Olvidé mi pasaporte but this stresses that I totally am at fault myslef and is not so much used. - annierats, May 13, 2015

Answer 2

Never thought of "se me", is used as if you are trying to elude responsability but I have to accept that's completly right.

If someone is using it, is implying that something out of his control somehow affected the outcome. When in reality is something that actually falls within the things one can easily control.