Reflexive verbs show that the subject is doing something to or for itself. Reflexive pronouns match the subject and always appear before the verb. The verbs are conjugated normally, just as you would with any other verb, but you also include the reflexive pronoun. Reflexive pronouns come before conjugated verbs or are attached to infinitives and gerunds.
- Reflexive verbs use pronouns: me, te, se, nos, os, se.
- The pronoun agrees with the subject and shows the action reflects back on the subject.
- These verbs can appear as reflexive or non-reflexive, with the reflexive form changing the meaning.
Example:
- Me lavo las manos. (I wash my hands.) — reflexive*
- Lavo el coche. (I wash the car.) — non-reflexive*
Reflexive Verb Conjugation Example (lavarse – to wash oneself)
| Subject Pronoun | Reflexive Pronoun | Conjugated Verb | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yo | me | lavo | Me lavo las manos. | I wash my hands. |
| tú | te | lavas | Te lavas la cara. | You wash your face. |
| él/ella/usted | se | lava | Se lava el cabello. | He/she washes their hair. |
| nosotros/as | nos | lavamos | Nos lavamos los pies. | We wash our feet. |
| vosotros/as | os | laváis | Os laváis antes de comer. | You all wash before eating. |
| ellos/as/ustedes | se | lavan | Se lavan rápidamente. | They wash quickly. |
Common Reflexive Verbs
Daily Routine
| Spanish Verb | English Meaning | Example | Example Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| levantarse | to get up | Me levanto a las siete. | I get up at seven. |
| ducharse | to shower | Me ducho por la mañana. | I shower in the morning. |
| vestirse | to get dressed | Me visto rápidamente. | I get dressed quickly. |
| acostarse | to go to bed | Me acuesto temprano. | I go to bed early. |
| cepillarse | to brush | Me cepillo los dientes. | I brush my teeth. |
| maquillarse | to put on makeup | Ella se maquilla antes de salir. | She puts on makeup before going out. |
Emotional and Psychological States
| Spanish Verb | English Meaning | Example | Example Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| enojarse | to get angry | Me enojo con facilidad. | I get angry easily. |
| sentirse | to feel | Me siento cansado. | I feel tired. |
| aburrirse | to get bored | Me aburro en clase. | I get bored in class. |
| preocuparse | to worry | Me preocupo por el examen. | I worry about the exam. |
Mutual Actions (Reciprocal)
| Spanish Verb | English Meaning | Example | Example Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| abrazarse | to hug each other | Nos abrazamos en la reunión. | We hug each other at the meeting. |
| besarse | to kiss each other | Se besan en la despedida. | They kiss each other goodbye. |
| saludarse | to greet each other | Nos saludamos con respeto. | We greet each other respectfully. |
Changes in Meaning
| Reflexive Form | Non-Reflexive Form | Reflexive Meaning | Non-Reflexive Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| irse | ir | to leave/go away | to go/travel |
| dormirse | dormir | to fall asleep | to sleep |
| olvidarse | olvidar | to forget (something unintentionally) | to forget (something intentionally) |
| caer(se) | caer | to fall down (accidentally) | to fall |
Reflexive Pronouns Summary
| Subject Pronoun | Reflexive Pronoun |
|---|---|
| yo | me |
| tú | te |
| él/ella/usted | se |
| nosotros/as | nos |
| vosotros/as | os |
| ellos/as/ustedes | se |
Tips
- Use reflexive verbs when the subject and object are the same.
- Place reflexive pronouns before conjugated verbs or attach them to infinitives/gerunds.
- Not all verbs that end in -se are reflexive in every context (some can be used non-reflexively).
- Some reflexive verbs are always reflexive — they are not used without the pronoun (e.g., quejarse – to complain).
- Idiomatic reflexive verbs carry meanings that are not obvious from their parts (e.g., irse means “to leave,” not “to go oneself” literally).
Summary
Reflexive verbs help express so many aspects of daily life, from getting ready to emotional states and interpersonal interactions. Recognizing reflexive pronouns and understanding the context will make you more fluent and precise in Spanish.
to forget (something unintentionally)
olvidarse
"Olvidarse" means "to forget (something unintentionally)" and is reflexive. "Olvidar" is the non-reflexive form.
We hug each other at the meeting.
Nos abrazamos en la reunión.
"Nos abrazamos en la reunión." means "We hug each other at the meeting." The verb "abrazarse" is reflexive and reciprocal here, with "nos" indicating "we each other."
Flashcards (1 of 19)
- Subject Pronoun: yo
- Reflexive Pronoun: me
- Conjugated Verb: lavo
- English Example: I wash my hands.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
