Verbs with Reflexive Pronouns Exprésate 2 Capítulo 1 Gramática 1
Introduction When a sentence expresses an action in which a subject acts upon itself, it requires the use of a verb with a reflexive pronoun. In sentences like this, the subject of the sentence and the object of the sentence refer to the same person. I love myself. Johnny is dressing himself.
Introduction In order to express these ideas in Spanish, the verb is always used with a reflexive object pronoun that refers to the same person as the subject. Some common reflexive verbs are: vestirse (to dress oneself) levantarse (to get up) acostarse (to go to bed)
Usage The simplest way to use a reflexive verb is to conjugate the verb as you normally would and place the appropriate reflexive object pronoun in front of it. Therefore, the present tense forms of the verb lavarse would be: me lavo, te lavas, se lava, nos lavamos, os laváis, se lavan
Pronoun Placement Options Of course, because we often use verbs in many other forms, there are other options for the placement of reflexive pronouns. They can be placed: Before a conjugated verb. Attached to the end of an infinitive. Attached to the end of an affirmative command, or Attached to the end of a present participle.
Some examples Siempre me visto inmediatamente después de ducharme. Paco, ¡levántate! ¡No te preocupes, mamá! Estoy levantándome ahora mismo. Debes acostarte más temprano. Pero, siempre me acuesto a las ocho. No puedo acostarme más temprano.
Other uses of reflexives Reflexive pronouns can also be used with verbs to: Indicate that plural subjects are interacting, or to communicate the idea of to each other. Paco y Susana se miran.
or to: Change the meaning of a verb slightly. Siempre duermo en la sala. I always sleep in the living room. Siempre me duermo en la sala. I always fall asleep in the living room.
or for no reason at all (just because). Los estudiantes siempre se quejan de las tareas. The students always complain about the assignments.