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Direct Object Pronouns

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Direct object pronouns in Spanish are words that replace direct objects to avoid repetition and make sentences more concise and natural.

In Spanish, direct object pronouns replace the noun that directly receives the action of the verb. This helps avoid repetition and makes sentences smoother. For example, instead of saying "Veo a María," you can say "La veo" — where la stands in for "María."
  • Direct object: the noun receiving the action directly (e.g., "María" in "Veo a María").
  • Direct object pronoun: replaces the direct object (e.g., "la" for María).
  • Placed before a conjugated verb or after and attached to an infinitive, gerund, or affirmative command.

Spanish Direct Object Pronouns

SingularPluralSingular ExampleSingular Example MeaningPlural ExamplePlural Example Meaning
me (me)nos (us)Me llama.He calls me.Nos invita.She invites us.
te (you [fam.])os (you all [fam.])Te veo.I see you.Os escucho.I listen to you all.
lo (him/it, you [formal])los (them/you all [m.])Lo compro.I buy it/him.Los veo.I see them/you all.
la (her/it, you [formal])las (them/you all [f.])La tengo.I have it/her.Las llamo.I call them/you all.
  • Note: "lo" and "la" can also mean "you" (formal singular, masculine/feminine).
  • Use "a" + person when referring to people (e.g., "Veo a Juan" → "Lo veo").

Rules for Placement

  1. Before conjugated verbs:
    1. Lo veo. (I see him/it.)
    2. Nos llaman. (They call us.)
  1. Attached to infinitives:
    1. Voy a verlo. (I’m going to see him/it.)
    2. Quiero comprarla. (I want to buy it/her.)
  1. Attached to gerunds (-ando, -iendo):
    1. Estoy viéndolo. (I’m seeing him/it.)
    2. Estamos llamándolas. (We’re calling them.)
  1. Attached to affirmative commands:
    1. ¡Cómpralo! (Buy it/him!)
    2. ¡Llámala! (Call her/it!)
  • Tip: Pronouns are never separated from infinitives, gerunds, or affirmative commands.

What is the rule for separating direct object pronouns from infinitives, gerunds, or affirmative commands?


They are never separated
Direct object pronouns are never separated from infinitives, gerunds, or affirmative commands; they remain attached (e.g., 'comprarla', 'viéndolo', '¡llámala!').

Common Mistakes

  • Misplacing the pronoun after a conjugated verb (except with infinitives, gerunds, commands):
    • Veo lo. → ✅ Lo veo.
  • Double object pronouns confusion (indirect + direct):
    • ❶ Le lo doy → ✅ Se lo doy. (Indirect & direct pronouns)
  • Using subject pronouns instead:
    • Yo lo veo. (not wrong, but "Yo" is unnecessary) → ✅ Lo veo.
  • Gender/number mismatch:
    • Lo veo a ella. (correct: "La veo a ella.")

Why is 'Yo lo veo' not the best option for 'I see him' in Spanish?


'Yo' is unnecessary and usually omitted
'Yo lo veo' is not wrong, but 'Yo' is redundant since the verb ending '-o' already indicates 'I.' Native speakers typically say 'Lo veo.'

Summary

Direct object pronouns in Spanish replace the noun directly receiving the verb’s action. They appear before conjugated verbs or after and attached to infinitives, gerunds, and affirmative commands. Matching pronoun form to the noun’s gender and number is essential. Avoid common errors by practicing placement and agreement.
Next Up: Indirect Object Pronouns

Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025

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