A reflexive verb is used to indicate that the action reflects back upon the doer of the action. In other words, the subject of the verb will give and receive the action of the verb. Therefore, with reflexive verbs the subject acts on itself by using the reflexive pronouns. | |
In order to conjugate a reflexive verb, you must use the correct reflexive pronoun. The pronoun is placed in front of the conjugated form or attached to the end of the infinitive. | |
Examples: | |
Nonreflexive | Reflexive |
Lavo las manos de mi hermano. | Me lavo las manos. |
I wash my brother's hands. | I wash my hands. |
La madre acuesta a los niños. | La madre se acuesta. |
The mother puts the children to bed. | The mother goes to bed. |
Pones el vaso en la mesa. | Te pones la corbata roja. |
You are putting the glass on the table. | You are putting on the red tie. |
Note that reflexive verbs sometimes differ in meaning from the non-reflexive form. | |||
Non-reflexive | Reflexive | ||
comer | to eat | comerse | to eat up |
despedir | to fire | despedirse de | to take leave |
ir | to go | irse | to go away |
llamar | to call | llamarse | to be called |
llevar | to carry | llevarse | to take away |
marchar | to go, leave | marcharse | to go away |
poner | to put | ponerse | to put on (clothes) |
parecer | to seem | parecerse | to look alike |
quedar | to be left | quedarse | to remain, stay |
sentir | to regret | sentirse | to feel |
sonar | to ring | sonarse | to blow one's (e.g., nose) |
The reflexive can be used to mean "each other." | |
Nosotros nos hablamos. | We talk to each other. |
Vosotros os engañáis. | You deceive each other. |
Ellos se mienten. | They lie to each other. |
The reflexive can be used to mean "to oneself." | |
Yo me hablo. | I talk to myself. |
Ellos se mienten. | They lie to themselves. |
Remember: the reflexive pronoun must agree with the subject even if the reflexive verb is in the infinitive form. | |
I want to go to bed. (put myself) | Yo quiero acostarme. |
You want to feel better tomorrow. | Tú deseas sentirte mejor mañana. |
We want to have fun at the party. | Queremos divertirnos a la fiesta. |
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