Definition and Usage
Reflexive verbs in Spanish are verbs where the subject performs an action on itself. These verbs are accompanied by reflexive pronouns that indicate the subject and the object of the action are the same. For example, lavarse means "to wash oneself." Reflexive verbs are used frequently for daily routines, emotions, and actions related to oneself.
Reflexive Pronouns
The reflexive pronouns used in Spanish correspond to each subject pronoun and must appear before the conjugated verb or attached to an infinitive or gerund. These pronouns are:
| Spanish Pronoun | Reflexive Pronoun |
|---|---|
| yo | me |
| tú | te |
| él/ella/usted | se |
| nosotros/as | nos |
| vosotros/as | os |
| ellos/ellas/ustedes | se |
Conjugation Example: Lavarse (to wash oneself)
| Spanish Pronoun | Spanish Conjugation | English Conjugation | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yo | me lavo | I wash myself | Yo me lavo las manos. | I wash my hands. |
| tú | te lavas | You wash yourself | Tú te lavas la cara. | You wash your face. |
| él/ella/usted | se lava | He/she/you washes | Él se lava el cabello. | He washes his hair. |
| nosotros/as | nos lavamos | We wash ourselves | Nosotros nos lavamos ahora. | We are washing ourselves now. |
| vosotros/as | os laváis | You all wash yourselves | Vosotros os laváis rápido. | You all wash yourselves quickly. |
| ellos/ellas/ustedes | se lavan | They/you all wash | Ellos se lavan antes de comer. | They wash themselves before eating. |
Placement of Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are positioned directly before a conjugated verb or can be attached to infinitive verbs, gerunds, or affirmative commands. For example:
- Before conjugated verb: Me levanto temprano. (I get up early.)
- Attached to infinitive: Voy a levantarme temprano. (I am going to get up early.)
- Attached to gerund: Estoy levantándome ahora. (I am getting up now.)
- Attached to affirmative command: Levántate temprano. (Get up early.)
Common Reflexive Verbs
Some widely used reflexive verbs include:
- levantarse (to get up)
- vestirse (to get dressed)
- ducharse (to shower)
- acostarse (to go to bed)
- afeitarse (to shave)
- maquillarse (to put on makeup)
- sentirse (to feel [emotion/physical state])
These verbs often describe personal care or emotional states. Understanding reflexive verbs is essential to daily communication in Spanish.
Differences Between Reflexive and Non-Reflexive Verbs
Some verbs have both reflexive and non-reflexive forms with different meanings. For example, llamar means “to call,” but llamarse means “to be called” (one’s name). Carefully paying attention to the reflexive pronoun changes the meaning of the verb significantly.
