A2 Spanish GrammarReflexive Verbs
Master Spanish reflexive verbs (verbos reflexivos) with pronouns me, te, se, nos, os, se. Learn common reflexive verbs for daily routines and understand reciprocal actions.
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1Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive verbs show the subject performing an action on themselves. The reflexive pronoun matches the subject and goes before the conjugated verb. Infinitives end in -se (levantarse, ducharse).
Reflexive Pronouns
| Subject | Pronoun | Example |
|---|---|---|
| yo | me | me levanto |
| tú | te | te duchas |
| él/ella/usted | se | se viste |
| nosotros | nos | nos lavamos |
| vosotros | os | os peinéis |
| ellos/ustedes | se | se acuestan |
Examples
Me levanto a las siete.
I get up at seven.
me before conjugated verb
¿A qué hora te acuestas?
What time do you go to bed?
te for tú
Ella se ducha por la mañana.
She showers in the morning.
se for third person
Nos divertimos mucho.
We have a lot of fun.
nos for nosotros
2Common Reflexive Verbs
Many daily routine verbs are reflexive in Spanish but not in English. The reflexive shows the action affects the subject. These are essential for describing your daily activities.
Daily Routine Verbs
| Spanish | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
| despertarse (e→ie) | to wake up | Me despierto temprano |
| levantarse | to get up | Se levanta tarde |
| ducharse | to shower | Me ducho rápido |
| vestirse (e→i) | to get dressed | Se viste elegante |
| peinarse | to comb hair | Me peino |
| acostarse (o→ue) | to go to bed | Nos acostamos pronto |
| dormirse (o→ue) | to fall asleep | Se duerme enseguida |
Examples
Me despierto a las seis pero me levanto a las siete.
I wake up at six but get up at seven.
despertarse vs levantarse
Los niños se visten solos.
The children get dressed by themselves.
se visten - third person plural
¿Te lavas los dientes después de comer?
Do you brush your teeth after eating?
lavarse los dientes
Ella se maquilla antes de salir.
She puts on makeup before going out.
maquillarse - reflexive
3Pronoun Position
Reflexive pronouns go before conjugated verbs but can attach to infinitives, gerunds, and affirmative commands. With modal verbs, both positions are correct.
Pronoun Positions
| Form | Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|---|
| present | Me levanto | (only this) |
| infinitive | Voy a levantarme | Me voy a levantar |
| gerund | Estoy levantándome | Me estoy levantando |
| command (+) | ¡Levántate! | (only this) |
| command (-) | ¡No te levantes! | (only this) |
Examples
Tengo que ducharme. / Me tengo que duchar.
I have to shower.
both positions correct
Estoy vistiéndome. / Me estoy vistiendo.
I'm getting dressed.
both positions correct
¡Siéntate aquí!
Sit down here!
attached to command
¡No te preocupes!
Don't worry!
before negative command
4Reciprocal Actions
Plural reflexive forms (nos, os, se) can express reciprocal actions ('each other'). Context usually clarifies if the meaning is reflexive or reciprocal. Add mutuamente for emphasis.
Reciprocal Verbs
| Spanish | Reflexive Meaning | Reciprocal Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| se miran | they look at themselves | they look at each other |
| nos escribimos | we write to ourselves | we write to each other |
| se quieren | they love themselves | they love each other |
| nos conocemos | we know ourselves | we know each other |
Examples
María y Juan se quieren mucho.
María and Juan love each other a lot.
reciprocal - each other
Nos vemos mañana.
We'll see each other tomorrow.
common farewell
¿Dónde os conocisteis?
Where did you meet (each other)?
conocerse = to meet
Se escriben emails todos los días.
They write to each other every day.
reciprocal action
Practice Exercises
4 exercises
Complete: '___ levanto a las siete.' (I get up at seven.)
Complete: 'Ella ___ ducha por la mañana.' (She showers in the morning.)
Complete: '¿A qué hora ___ acuestas?' (What time do you go to bed?)
Where does the reflexive pronoun go in 'Voy a ducharme'?
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