A Comprehensive Guide to Reflexive Pronouns in Spanish

The reflexive pronouns in Spanish are used when the subject and direct object of a reflexive verb are the same. In simple words, when we discuss acts that we take on ourselves or, conversely, actions that other people take on themselves, we employ reflexive pronouns and verbs.

For example:

• I wake (myself) up
• I bathe (myself)
•  I put clothes on (myself)

Since English uses reflexive pronouns (myself, yourself, etc.) less frequently, the direct translation frequently sounds a little awkward.  For instance, saying “me pongo la ropa” in Spanish literally means “I put clothes on myself.”

Mastering reflexive and demonstrative Spanish pronouns can help in making your conversations sound fluent. They enable you to make sentences shorter and more understandable.

It’s crucial to remember that reflexive pronouns in Spanish only function when the subject of the sentence both performs and receives the action—that is when the subject acts themselves.

For example:

• I bathe every day – Me baño todos los días
• You look at yourself in the mirror – Te miras al espejo
• My mother will be surprised for the gift – Mi madre se sorprenderá por el regalo

Reflexive pronouns in Spanish: Types and Usage

To learn Spanish grammar, you must look at the types and usage of different concepts. Reflexive pronouns use the same forms as indirect object pronouns, with the exception of se, which is used instead of for the third person.

Types of reflexive pronouns

1. me (myself)
2. te (yourself),
3. se (yourself (formal), himself, herself).
4. nos (ourselves)
5. se (yourselves, themselves)

Let’s have a look at a few examples, using every reflexive pronoun:

• I sit on the chair  – (Yo) Me siento en la silla
• You wash your hair twice a week – (Tú) Te lavas el cabello dos veces por semana
• She brushes her teeth – (Ella) Se cepilla los dientes
• He looks in the mirror – (Él) Se mira en el espejo
• You wake up early every day – (Usted) Se despierta temprano cada día.
•  We take off our shoes – (Nosotros) Nos quitamos los zapatos
• They stayed at school – (Ellos) Se quedaron en la escuela
•  We wash our hands – (Nosotros) Nos lavamos la

How do you use reflexive pronouns in Spanish?

Up until now, reflexive pronouns have come before conjugated verbs.  Let’s now examine three additional uses of reflexive pronouns and their placement.

Verbs in the infinite form

Reflexive pronouns can be positioned at the end of an infinitive verb, like this: I have to take a bath – Tengo que Bañarme

It can also be placed at the start of a conjugated verb, which ends with an infinitive. For example: I have to take a bath –  Me tengo que bañarThere are several mediums to learn Spanish for free. Moreover, there is plenty of Spanish content available online. Watching Spanish videos and documentaries can also help you understand the contextual use of reflexive pronouns in Spanish.

Progressive verbs

When dealing with progressive verbs (English -ing verbs) in Spanish, you can place the reflexive pronoun behind or in front of the progressive verb. The meaning of both choices is the same.

For example:

• She is washing her hands – Ella está lavándose las manos / Ella se está lavando las manos
• She is sleeping early – Ella está durmiéndose temprano / Ella se está durmiendo temprano
• We are washing our faces –  Estamos lavándonos la cara / Nos estamos lavando la cara

Reflexives pronouns and Imperative mood

As we previously stated, reflexive pronouns have to match the subject, meaning that the same subject must provide and receive an action.  However, the imperative mood is the one exception to this.

When we issue directions or demands, we do it in an imperative mood, which is always directed toward another person. Because you cannot give orders to yourself in the first person, therefore you can use Spanish reflexive pronouns when using reflexive verbs to give commands in the Imperative.

Affirmative commands

When dealing with affirmative sentences, the reflexive pronouns will always be placed at the end of the conjugated verb. For example:

•  Look at me! – ¡Mirame!
•  Wash your hands (you plural) – Lávense las manos
• Go to sleep early (you) – Duermete temprano

Negative sentences

When the sentence is negative, verbs in the imperative are used in the subjunctive. For example:

• Don’t wash your hands – No te laves las manos
•  Don´t sleep early – No te duermas temprano
• Don’t wash your faces – No se laven la cara
• Don´t you bath now, we gotta go – No te bañes ahora, tenemos que irnos

Every verb you see right after the reflexive pronoun   (te, se, nos) in imperative sentences are conjugated in the subjunctive.

Spanish reflexive pronouns vs object pronouns?

Due to their similar appearances, beginners frequently confuse reflexive and object pronouns. To make things apparent, let’s compare and contrast them.

Personal Pronoun	Reflexive Pronoun	Direct Object Pronoun	Indirect Object Pronoun
Yo	Me	Me	Me
Tú	Te	Te	Te
Él	Se	Lo	Le
Ella	Se	La	Le
Usted	Se	Lo, La	Le
Nosotros	Nos	Nos	Nos
Ustedes	Se	Los / Las	Les
Ellos / Ellas	Se	Los / Las	Les

In simple terms, you use reflexive pronouns when the subject matches who/what is receiving the action. For example: Me compro una camiseta – I buy myself a shirt.

When the subject is not receiving the action, then the pronouns we use are called object pronouns. For example: Te compro una camiseta – I buy you a shirt.

Although they look very similar, the main difference is that the first phrase is reflexive and the second is not.

This is all about reflexive pronouns in Spanish. You must practice this concept to sound more fluent and confident. Additionally, getting a conversational Spanish tutor can help you become fluent in Spanish. Hiring a private Spanish tutor through italki can speed up your learning process and keep you on track.

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Frequently asked questions

What are reflexive pronouns in Spanish?

Reflexive pronouns in Spanish (me, te, se, nos, os, se) are used when the subject and the object of a verb are the same, indicating that the verb’s action reflects on the subject.

How are reflexive pronouns used in Spanish?

Reflexive pronouns are placed before a conjugated verb or attached to the end of an infinitive, gerund, or affirmative command.

Can reflexive pronouns change depending on the subject?

Yes, reflexive pronouns change to match the subject’s person and number. For example, “me lavo” (I wash myself) vs. “se lava” (he/she washes themselves).

Are reflexive pronouns always necessary in Spanish?

No, reflexive pronouns are only used when the verb’s action reflects on the subject. They are not necessary when the action is not reflexive.

Conclusion

Reflexive pronouns are a fundamental part of Spanish grammar, indicating actions that reflect back on the subject. Understanding their usage and placement is crucial for communicating effectively in Spanish.

While reflexive pronouns can be challenging for learners, practice and exposure to the language will help solidify their use. Moreover, getting an experienced Spanish tutor through italki can also help you strengthen your language skills and become a fluent speaker.