Reflexive pronouns in Spanish are used when the subject performs an action on itself. Spanish reflexive pronouns are: me, te, se, nos, os, se.
Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject of the sentence performs an action on itself. For example, "I wash myself" uses a reflexive pronoun because the subject and object are the same person. Reflexive pronouns in Spanish always appear before the conjugated verb (or attached to an infinitive or gerund) and match the subject in person and number.
- Reflexive pronouns: me, te, se, nos, os, se
- Pronouns match the subject performing the action on itself
- Used with reflexive verbs (verbs ending in -se)
- Pronoun placement: before conjugated verbs or attached to infinitives/gerunds
Reflexive Pronouns Table
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| st | me | nos |
| nd (tú) | te | os |
| rd | se | se |
- me = myself
- te = yourself (informal singular)
- se = himself/herself/yourself (formal singular), themselves/yourselves (plural)
- nos = ourselves
- os = yourselves (informal plural, mainly in Spain)
Which reflexive pronoun is used for the 2nd person singular (tú) form in Spanish?
te
The reflexive pronoun for the 2nd person singular 'tú' is 'te'. It is used when 'you' perform the action on yourself.
Using Reflexive Pronouns with Verbs
Reflexive verbs in Spanish always include a reflexive pronoun. The verb is conjugated normally, and the reflexive pronoun agrees with the subject.
- Verb example: levantarse (to get oneself up / to get up)
- Conjugated: me levanto, te levantas, se levanta, etc.
Example:
- Me levanto a las 7:00. (I get myself up at 7:00.)
- Te levantas tarde. (You get yourself up late.)
- Nos levantamos juntos. (We get ourselves up together.)
Placement of Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns usually go before a conjugated verb but can also attach to infinitives, gerunds, and affirmative commands.
Before Conjugated Verbs
- Me baño por la mañana. (I bathe myself in the morning.)
- Te peinas el cabello. (You comb your hair.)
Attached to Infinitives
- Voy a levantarme temprano. (I’m going to get myself up early.)
- Tienes que vestirte rápido. (You have to dress yourself quickly.)
Attached to Gerunds
- Estoy bañándome. (I’m bathing myself.)
- Están peinándose. (They are combing themselves.)
Attached to Affirmative Commands
- ¡Levántate! (Get yourself up!)
- ¡Báñate ahora! (Bathe yourself now!)
Common Reflexive Verbs
Many Spanish verbs are reflexive because the action naturally refers back to the subject. Here are some of the most common reflexive verbs:
| Reflexive Verb | English Meaning | Example (Spanish) | Example (English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| levantarse | to get up | Me levanto a las seis. | I get up at six. |
| bañarse | to bathe oneself | Ella se baña por la noche. | She bathes herself at night. |
| vestirse | to dress oneself | Me visto rápido. | I dress myself quickly. |
| peinarse | to comb one’s hair | Juan se peina antes de salir. | Juan combs his hair before leaving. |
| acostarse | to go to bed | Nos acostamos tarde. | We go to bed late. |
| despertarse | to wake oneself up | Me despierto con ruido. | I wake up to noise. |
| maquillarse | to put on makeup | Ella se maquilla antes de la fiesta. | She puts on makeup before the party. |
| afeitarse | to shave oneself | Carlos se afeita todos los días. | Carlos shaves himself every day. |
How do you say 'She wakes herself up' using a reflexive verb?
Ella se despierta.
'Se despierta' is correct because 'se' is the reflexive pronoun for 'ella' and 'despierta' is the conjugated form.
Summary
- Reflexive pronouns indicate the subject is performing the action on itself.
- Spanish reflexive pronouns: me, te, se, nos, os, se.
- Reflexive verbs always include these pronouns.
- Pronouns go before conjugated verbs or attach to infinitives, gerunds, and affirmative commands.
- Many daily routine verbs are reflexive (e.g., levantarse, bañarse, vestirse).
Where do reflexive pronouns go in a sentence?
Before conjugated verbs or attached to infinitives, gerunds, and affirmative commands.
Reflexive pronouns are placed before conjugated verbs or attached to infinitives, gerunds, and affirmative commands.
Flashcards (1 of 8)
- Reflexive Verb: levantarse
- English Meaning: to get up
- Example (English): I get up at six.
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
