4.2 Reflexive Verbs

Reflexive Constructions

• Subject performs and receives the action.

• Use reflexive pronouns: me, te, se, nos, os, se.

Verb Endings

• yo: -o

• tú: -as

• Ud./él/ella: -a

• nosotros/as: -amos

• vosotros/as: -áis

• Uds./ellos/ellas: -an

Reflexive Verb Conjugation Example: lavarse (to wash oneself)

• yo: me lavo

• tú: te lavas

• Ud./él/ella: se lava

• nosotros/as: nos lavamos

• vosotros/as: os laváis

• Uds./ellos/ellas: se lavan

Daily Routines and Personal Care

• Many verbs describing daily routines and personal care are reflexive.

Transitive Verbs Used Reflexively

• Most transitive verbs can be used reflexively to indicate the subject performs the action to or for himself/herself.

• Transitive verb: Takes an object.

• Intransitive verb: Does not take an object.

Change in Meaning

• Many verbs change meaning when used reflexively.

Reflexive Verbs and Prepositions

• Some Spanish verbs and expressions are reflexive even if their English equivalents are not.

• Often followed by prepositions a, de, and en.

Ponerse + Adjective

• To get or become is frequently expressed by the reflexive verb ponerse + [adjective].

Reciprocal Actions

• In the plural, reflexive verbs can express reciprocal actions done to one another.

Pronoun Order

• Reflexive pronoun precedes the direct object pronoun when used together in a sentence.