In Spanish, reflexive pronouns are used when the subject of a sentence performs an action on itself. This means that the subject and the object are the same, and the action “reflects” back onto the subject. Reflexive verbs always require a reflexive pronoun that matches the subject in both person and number.
- Used when the subject and object are the same.
- The action “reflects” back onto the subject.
- Reflexive pronouns must match the subject.
| Person | Reflexive Pronoun |
|---|---|
| Yo | me |
| Tú | te |
| Él/Ella/Ud. | se |
| Nosotros/as | nos |
| Vosotros/as | os |
| Ellos/Ellas/Uds. | se |
Example:
- lavar (to wash) → lavarse (to wash oneself)
- Yo me lavo. (I wash myself.)
- Tú te lavas. (You wash yourself.)
Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject performs the action on itself.
The reflexive pronouns are me, te, se, nos, os.
Usage of Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are placed directly before a conjugated verb or attached to the end of an infinitive, gerund, or affirmative command.
- Before conjugated verbs: Me levanto temprano. (I get up early.)
- Attached to infinitives: Voy a levantarme. (I’m going to get up.)
- Attached to gerunds: Estoy levantándome. (I’m getting up.)
- Attached to affirmative commands: Levántate. (Get up.)
Reflexive pronouns can be placed before the conjugated verb or attached to infinitives, gerunds, and affirmative commands.
| Subject | Verb (Levantarse) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | me levanto | Me levanto a las seis. |
| Tú | te levantas | Te levantas tarde. |
| Él/Ella/Ud. | se levanta | Se levanta feliz. |
| Nosotros/as | nos levantamos | Nos levantamos juntos. |
| Vosotros/as | os levantáis | Os levantáis pronto. |
| Ellos/Ellas/Uds. | se levantan | Se levantan temprano. |
The reflexive pronoun for 'we' is 'nos'.
The reflexive pronoun for 'they' is 'se'.
Non-Reflexive vs. Reflexive Verbs
Some verbs have both reflexive and non-reflexive forms, with different meanings.
- Non-reflexive: Él lava el coche. (He washes the car.)
- Reflexive: Él se lava. (He washes himself.)
Example:
| Non-Reflexive | Reflexive |
|---|---|
| Ella viste a su hijo. | Ella se viste. |
| (She dresses her son.) | (She dresses herself.) |
When a verb becomes reflexive, the subject does the action to themselves.
Common Reflexive Verbs
| Verb | Meaning | Example (Yo) |
|---|---|---|
| Levantarse | To get up | Me levanto temprano. |
| Ducharse | To shower | Me ducho cada mañana. |
| Vestirse | To get dressed | Me visto rápido. |
| Acostarse | To go to bed | Me acuesto tarde. |
| Sentirse | To feel (emotion) | Me siento feliz. |
Common reflexive verbs include levantarse, ducharse, vestirse, and acostarse.
'Levantarse' means 'to get up.'
Conclusion
Reflexive pronouns are essential for expressing actions that subjects do to themselves in Spanish, and they must align with the subject in both form and placement.
- Use reflexive pronouns when the subject acts on itself.
- Match pronouns to the subject (me, te, se, nos, os, se).
- Place pronouns before verbs or attach to infinitives, gerunds, and commands.
Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject performs the action on itself.
The reflexive pronouns are me, te, se, nos, os.
Reflexive pronouns can be placed before the conjugated verb or attached to infinitives, gerunds, and affirmative commands.
The reflexive pronoun for 'we' is 'nos'.
The reflexive pronoun for 'they' is 'se'.
When a verb becomes reflexive, the subject does the action to themselves.
Common reflexive verbs include levantarse, ducharse, vestirse, and acostarse.
'Levantarse' means 'to get up.'