Reflexive Verbs and Pronouns in Spanish

What Are Reflexive Verbs in Spanish?

Reflexive verbs in Spanish are verbs where the subject and the object of the action are the same. This means that the person performing the action is also the one receiving it. Reflexive verbs are often used to describe daily routines, emotions, or actions that one does to oneself.

How to Identify Reflexive Verbs

Reflexive verbs in Spanish are easily identified by the reflexive pronoun se attached to the infinitive form of the verb. For example, lavarse (to wash oneself) and levantarse (to get up).

Common Reflexive Pronouns

• me (myself)
• te (yourself)
• se (himself, herself, itself, yourself - formal)
• nos (ourselves)
• os (yourselves - informal plural)
• se (themselves, yourselves - formal plural)

How to Conjugate Reflexive Verbs

To conjugate reflexive verbs, follow these steps:
1. Remove the reflexive pronoun se from the infinitive.
2. Conjugate the verb as you would normally, according to the subject.
3. Place the appropriate reflexive pronoun before the conjugated verb.

1. Yo me lavo (I wash myself)
2. Tú te lavas (You wash yourself)
3. Él/Ella/Usted se lava (He/She/You wash(es) himself/herself/yourself)
4. Nosotros nos lavamos (We wash ourselves)
5. Vosotros os laváis (You all wash yourselves)
6. Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes se lavan (They/You all wash themselves/yourselves)

When to Use Reflexive Verbs

Reflexive verbs are used in various contexts, such as:
- Daily routines: Me despierto a las 7 (I wake up at 7).
- Emotions: Se siente feliz (He/She feels happy).
- Actions done to oneself: Me corto el pelo (I cut my hair).

Reflexive Verbs vs. Non-Reflexive Verbs

Not all verbs in Spanish are reflexive. Reflexive verbs specifically indicate that the subject is performing the action on themselves. For example:
- Reflexive: Me baño (I bathe myself).
- Non-reflexive: Baño al perro (I bathe the dog).

Practice with Reflexive Verbs