LoginReflexive Verbs For Intermediate learners
What Are Reflexive Verbs?
A reflexive verb (verbo reflexivo) in Spanish shows that the subject both performs and receives the action. Reflexive verbs are always accompanied by reflexive pronouns that refer the action of the verb back to the subject.
Structure
In the infinitive form, the reflexive verbs are distinguished by the pronoun "se" which attaches to the end of the infinitive verb. In conjugated forms, however, the reflexive pronoun comes before the verb, which is conjugated like any other verb based on person, number, and tense. For example:
bañarse → Me baño.
to bathe → I bathe (myself).
levantarse → Te levantas temprano.
to get up → You get up early.
Reflexive Pronouns
Spanish has specific reflexive pronouns that reflect the subject of the verb. These pronouns come before the conjugated verb or attached to the end of infinitives, participles, and affirmative imperatives. They include:
Singular | Plural | |
|---|---|---|
First-person | me | nos |
Second-person | te/se | se |
Third-person | se | se |
Uses
Based on the meaning relations expressed by the reflexive verbs, they can be divided into five categories:
1. Verbs that Are Used Reflexively and Non-reflexively
Verbs related to daily routines and actions related to the body can be used reflexively when the subject performs the action on itself. However, most of them can also be used non-reflexively when the object is different from the subject. Compare the examples:
Nos vestimos rápido.
We get dressed quickly.
Reflexive
Vestimos los bebes.
We dressed the babies.
Non-reflexive, the object is different from the subject.
Me lavo la cara.
I wash my face.
Lavo la fruta.
I wash the fruit.
Tip!
As you can see in the example above, when the object is a part of the subject's body, a reflexive verb must be used. Note that the body part takes a definite article rather than a possessive adjective and the use of the reflexive structure shows that it is a part of the subject's own body.
2. Verbs with a Different Sense When Used Reflexively
Some verbs express a different meaning when used reflexively compared to their non-reflexive usage. For example:
llamar = to call → llamarse = to be named
Voy a llamo a mis padres.
I'm going to call my parents.
Me llamo Gabriel.
My name is Gabriel.
llevar = to carry → llevarse = to get along
Llevé las bolsas dentro.
I carried the bags inside.
Nos llevamos bien.
We get along well.
poner = to put → ponerse = to put on
Puse el vestido en el armario.
I put the dress in the closet.
Ella se puso un vestido rojo.
She put on a red dress.
3. Verbs that Become Intransitive in the Reflexive Form
Some verbs are transitive in their regular usage but take on an intransitive or middle-voice quality when used reflexively, meaning they do not require an object; rather, the object of their transitive form becomes the subject of the reflexive verb, showing that the subject undergoes the action on its own. For example:
El gobierno aumentó los impuestos.
The government increased the taxes.
Los precios se aumentaron.
The prices went up.
Juan rompió el vaso.
Juan broke the glass.
El vaso se rompió.
The glass broke.
4. Verbs that Express a Reciprocal Meaning
Some verbs denote actions that cannot be performed on oneself; rather, they show that two or more subjects act on each other. These verbs appear with plural subjects. For example:
Nos abrazamos.
We hug each other.
Se ayudaban cuando era necesario.
They helped each other when needed.
Se besaron.
They kissed each other.
5. Verbs that Express Emphasis
Sometimes, reflexive verbs are used in cases when the object is not the same as the subject. In these cases, use of the reflexive adds a sense of emphasis or intensity to the action and shows that it was done completely. This usage is common with verbs of consumption and perception.
Me comí todo el pastel.
I ate the whole cake.
Se bebió tres cervezas.
He drank up three beers.
Nos leímos el libro en un día.
We read the whole book in one day.
Comments
(0)
Recommended
