Indirect object pronouns replace or emphasize the noun that receives the benefit or is affected by the action indirectly. They help avoid repetition and clarify meaning.
Pronouns List
| Singular | Plural | Example (Spanish) | Example (English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| me (to/for me) | nos (to/for us) | Me dio un regalo. | He gave me a gift. |
| te (to/for you) | os (to/for you all—Spain) | Te mando la carta. | I send you the letter. |
| le (to/for him/her/you formal) | les (to/for them/you all) | Les explico la lección. | I explain the lesson to them. |
Note: "le" and "les" change to "se" when followed by lo, la, los, or las to avoid the tongue-twister le lo.*
Usage Rules
- Indicate To/For Whom: They show who benefits from or receives the action.
- Placement:
- Before a conjugated verb: *Le escribo un email.
- Attached to an infinitive: *Voy a escribirle un email.
- Attached to a gerund: *Estoy escribiéndole un email.
- Clarification/Emphasis: Sometimes nouns are repeated for clarity.
- Le doy el libro a Juan.*
Examples
- Without clarification: Le compro flores. (I buy flowers for him/her.)
- With clarification: Le compro flores a María. (I buy flowers for María.)
- Two verbs: Voy a darle un regalo. (I’m going to give her/him a gift.)
- Gerund form: Estoy leyéndole la carta. (I’m reading the letter to her/him.)
Why do you sometimes include the noun after the indirect object pronoun?
For clarity or emphasis.
Repeating the noun (e.g., "a Juan") clarifies or emphasizes who the pronoun refers to; this is optional but common.
Where do you place the indirect object pronoun when there is an infinitive verb in the sentence?
Attached to the end of the infinitive.
The pronoun can either go before the conjugated verb or be attached to the end of the infinitive, e.g., "Voy a escribirle un email.".
Special Cases
- "+ se" rule: le/les → se before lo/la/los/las.
- Le doy el libro → Se lo doy.*
- Double Object Pronouns: Indirect comes before direct.
- Me (indirect) + lo (direct) → Me lo dan.*
- Emphasis with prepositions: Add a + noun/pronoun for clarity.
- Les escribí a mis padres.*
Quick Tip
Always identify the indirect object in English first:
- Who is receiving the action's benefit?
- Who is it done to or for?
Then use the matching pronoun.
Flashcards (1 of 3)
- Singular: me (to/for me)
- Plural: nos (to/for us)
- Example (English): He gave me a gift.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
