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.