Reflexive pronouns show that the subject of the sentence does something to itself, and they are key for describing daily routines, feelings, and changes.
Usage
Use reflexive pronouns when the subject and the object of the action are the same, as in actions like lavarse (to wash oneself) or sentirse (to feel). They also appear in some idiomatic expressions and in verbs that are always reflexive.
I wash my hands before eating.
Form
Reflexive pronouns agree with the subject in person and number, and they appear before a conjugated verb, attached to an infinitive, gerund, or affirmative command.
Reflexive Pronouns
| Spanish Pronoun | Reflexive Pronoun | English Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| yo | me | myself | |
| tú | te | yourself | |
| él/ella/usted | se | himself/herself/yourself (formal) | |
| nosotros/as | nos | ourselves | |
| vosotros/as | os | yourselves (informal Spain) | |
| ellos/ellas/ustedes | se | themselves/yourselves (formal) |
| Spanish | English | |
|---|---|---|
| me | myself | |
| te | yourself | |
| se | himself/herself/itself/yourself (formal) | |
| nos | ourselves | |
| os | yourselves (informal plural) | |
| se | themselves/yourselves (formal plural) |
Common Reflexive Verbs
Common reflexive verbs describe daily activities like getting up, dressing, and washing, as well as changes in mood or condition.
| Spanish Verb | English Translation | |
|---|---|---|
| levantarse | to get up | |
| vestirse | to dress oneself | |
| ducharse | to shower | |
| cepillarse | to brush (hair/teeth) | |
| maquillarse | to put on makeup | |
| acostarse | to go to bed | |
| sentirse | to feel (a certain way) | |
| bañarse | to bathe oneself |
Examples
Non-Reflexive vs. Reflexive
Some verbs change meaning when used reflexively versus non-reflexively; the reflexive form often emphasizes that the action affects the subject personally.
Double Object Pronouns
When both indirect and direct object pronouns appear with reflexive verbs, the indirect pronoun le/les changes to se to avoid awkward repetition.
Summary
Reflexive pronouns signal that the subject performs an action on itself, they must match the subject in person and number, and they are essential for describing routines and self-directed actions.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025