Dimenticare vs. scordare vs. dimenticarsi vs. scordarsi
The primary difference between dimenticare and scordare is their origin and tone: dimenticare derives from mente (mind) and is standard and slightly more formal, while scordare comes from cuore (heart), making it more colloquial and recognized as slightly more informal. Grammatically, they are synonyms. The difference between the non-reflexive forms (dimenticare/scordare) and the reflexive forms (dimenticarsi/scordarsi) lies in the focus: the non-reflexive emphasizes the object being forgotten, whereas the reflexive emphasizes the subject's state of mind or accidental negligence.
Dimenticare
A2This is the most common, neutral, and standard way to say to forget. It implies that information has left the mind. It is preferred in formal writing and professional contexts, though used daily. It focuses on the direct object (the thing forgotten).
Ho dimenticato la password del mio computer.
(I forgot my computer password.)
Non devi mai dimenticare le tue origini.
(You must never forget your origins.)
Ha dimenticato di spegnere la luce in cucina.
(He forgot to turn off the light in the kitchen.)
Scordare
B1This is a direct synonym of dimenticare but is considered more colloquial and informal. Etymologically, it means to put out of one's heart. It is very common in spoken Italian, especially in Central and Southern Italy, but implies the exact same action as dimenticare.
Non scorderò mai quello che hai fatto per me.
(I will never forget what you did for me.)
Scorda il passato e pensa al futuro.
(Forget the past and think about the future.)
Ho scordato il tuo nome per un attimo.
(I forgot your name for a moment.)
Dimenticarsi
A2This is the pronominal (reflexive) form. It shifts the focus from the object to the subject, highlighting the subject's unintentional slip of mind or negligence. It often suggests it slipped my mind. It is usually followed by the preposition di before a verb or noun, though colloquial usage often drops di before nouns.
Mi sono dimenticato di chiamare la nonna.
(I forgot (it slipped my mind) to call grandma.)
Ti sei già dimenticato di noi?
(Have you already forgotten about us?)
Ci siamo completamente dimenticati dell'appuntamento.
(We completely forgot about the appointment.)
Scordarsi
B1This is the reflexive form of the colloquial scordare. It combines the informality of scordare with the subject-focused unintentional nature of the reflexive structure. It is extremely common in casual conversation to describe accidents, absent-mindedness, or things left behind.
Mi sono scordato le chiavi in macchina.
(I forgot my keys in the car.)
Non scordarti di comprare il latte quando esci.
(Don't forget to buy milk when you go out.)
Mi ero scordato che oggi è il tuo compleanno.
(I had forgotten that today is your birthday.)
Summary
In essence, use dimenticare for formal or neutral contexts and scordare for informal speech; they mean the same thing. Use the non-reflexive forms (dimenticare, scordare) when focusing on the lost fact or object (e.g., I forgot the answer). Use the reflexive forms (dimenticarsi, scordarsi) to emphasize the subject's lapse in memory or negligence (e.g., I forgot [slipped my mind] to do it).