What Are Reflexive Verbs?

Reflexive verbs are special verbs in Spanish.

They tell us that the person doing the action is also doing something to themselves.

For example, if someone says, “I wash myself,” it shows a reflexive action.

To use these verbs, we need some special words called reflexive pronouns. These pronouns match the subject. Here are the reflexive pronouns you need to know:

• me (myself)
• te (yourself, informal)
• se (himself, herself, itself, or themselves)
• nos (ourselves)
• os (yourselves, informal plural)
• se (themselves)

How to Change Reflexive Verbs

We change reflexive verbs almost like we do with regular verbs.

You just need to add the right endings.

The reflexive pronoun can go either before the verb or attached to it.

Here are some examples:

Past Tense Example:

• Despertarse (to wake up)
  • Yo me desperté. (I woke up.)
  • Tú te despertaste. (You woke up.)

Past Habit Example:

• Acostarse (to go to bed)
  • Yo me acostaba. (I used to go to bed.)
  • Ellos se acostaban. (They used to go to bed.)

Making Sentences with Reflexive Verbs

To create sentences with reflexive verbs, start with the subject, then add the reflexive pronoun, and finish with the verb.

Here are some examples:

• Ella se lava las manos. (She washes her hands.)
• Nosotros nos sentimos cansados. (We feel tired.)
• ¿Te vistes antes de salir? (Do you get dressed before leaving?)

Important Grammar Rules for Reflexive Verbs

1. Subjunctive Mood: We use this when talking about wishes or feelings.

   • Espero que ellos se diviertan. (I hope they have fun.)

2. Conditional Tense: Reflexive verbs can also be used to talk about imaginary situations.

   • Si tuviera tiempo, me haría un masaje. (If I had time, I would get a massage.)

3. Ser vs. Estar: It's important to know when to use "ser" or "estar" with reflexive verbs to show differences.

   • La niña es muy inteligente, pero hoy se siente mal. (The girl is very smart, but today she feels unwell.)

4. Direct and Indirect Object Pronouns: Make sure pronouns are in the right place.

   • Me lavo las manos. (I wash my hands. – reflexive)
   • Ella me da un libro. (She gives me a book. – direct object)

5. Using Other Clauses: You can use words like cuando (when) and aunque (although) with reflexive verbs.

   • Cuando me despierto, siempre tomo café. (When I wake up, I always have coffee.)

6. Agreement of Adjectives: Adjectives must match the subject in gender and number.

   • Ellas se ven guapas en ese vestido. (They look beautiful in that dress.)

7. Asking Questions: You can ask questions using reflexive verbs.

   • ¿A qué hora te despiertas? (At what time do you wake up?)

By understanding how reflexive verbs work and their rules, students can get better at Spanish.

The more you practice, the easier it becomes!