Reflexive Verbs

Reflexive verbs describe actions that return to the subject, and they always use reflexive pronouns like me, te, se, nos and os. This guide breaks down how to recognize and use them in everyday Spanish.

Key Reflexive Pronouns

Reflexive pronouns match the subject and appear before a conjugated verb or attach to an infinitive, gerund, or affirmative command. They signal that the action is performed on oneself.

Spanish Pronoun	English Pronoun	Reflexive Pronoun
yo	I	me
tú	you (informal)	te
él / ella / usted	he / she / you (formal)	se
nosotros / nosotras	we	nos
vosotros / vosotras	you (plural)	os
ellos / ellas / ustedes	they / you (plural formal)	se

Common Reflexive Verbs

Reflexive verbs often relate to daily routines, personal care, and changes in state. Learning common examples helps you talk about typical activities like waking up, dressing, and bathing.

Spanish Word(s)	English Word(s)
levantarse	to get up
ducharse	to shower
vestirse	to dress (oneself)
afeitarse	to shave
acostarse	to go to bed
despertarse	to wake up
maquillarse	to put on makeup
peinarse	to comb one's hair

Spanish Example	English Translation
🍳 Me corto las cebollas.	I cut the onions for myself.
🧼 Te lavas las manos antes de cocinar.	You wash your hands before cooking.
⏰ Se levanta temprano para preparar pan.	He wakes up early to make bread.
🍵 Nos relajamos con té después de cocinar.	We relax with tea after cooking.
🧴 Os protegéis con delantal y guantes.	You all protect yourselves with apron and gloves.
🍽️ Se pusieron las servilletas.	They put on their napkins.

Using Reflexive Verbs

To use a reflexive verb, first identify the reflexive pronoun that matches the subject. Place the pronoun before a conjugated verb, or attach it to an infinitive, gerund, or affirmative command so the action clearly refers back to the subject.

Reflexive vs. Non-Reflexive

Some verbs can be reflexive or not depending on whether the action returns to the subject. Removing the reflexive pronoun often changes the meaning from doing something to oneself versus doing it to someone or something else.

Spanish Example	English Translation	Note
🍞 Se lava las manos antes de amasar.	He washes his hands before kneading.	Reflexive: hygienic action for himself.
🌾 Lava la harina en la mesa.	She cleans the flour off the table.	Non-reflexive: washes the flour from surface.
🥣 Se prepara una taza de caldo.	He makes himself a cup of broth.	Reflexive: prepares for himself.
🧑‍🍳 Prepara la salsa para los invitados.	She prepares the sauce for the guests.	Non-reflexive: prepares for others.

Double Object Pronouns

When reflexive pronouns combine with indirect object pronouns like me, te, le, les, the reflexive pronoun se replaces le/les to avoid awkward forms. This keeps sentences clear when you have both types of pronouns.

Exercises

Practicing with short sentences helps you internalize reflexive pronouns and common verbs. Write out daily routine actions using reflexive forms to make the pattern natural.

Spanish Example	English Translation	Type
🧼 ¡Lávate las manos antes de empezar!	Wash your hands before starting!	Command (reflexive)
🍊 Córtale las naranjas al vecino.	Cut the oranges for the neighbor.	Command (indirect obj.)
🧽 Póntelo y luego dáselo a ella.	Put it on and then give it to her.	Command (double pronouns)
🥖 Me estoy lavando las manos.	I am washing my hands.	Present progressive (reflexive)

Summary

Reflexive verbs require matching pronouns like me, te, se that signal the action returns to the subject. They commonly describe personal care and routines, and practicing these forms makes describing yourself in Spanish much easier.

Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025