Reflexive Verbs in Spanish: Talking About Your Daily Routine

Reflexive verbs are super important when we talk about our daily routines in Spanish. These verbs show that the subject is doing something to themselves. When you learn these verbs, you can easily share your personal habits and daily activities. Let’s explore some common reflexive verbs that relate to everyday life and see some examples.

Common Reflexive Verbs

1. Despertarse (to wake up)

   • Example: Me despierto a las siete de la mañana.
     (I wake up at seven in the morning.)

2. Levantarse (to get up)

   • Example: Después de despertarme, me levanto de la cama.
     (After waking up, I get out of bed.)

3. Ducharse (to take a shower)

   • Example: Me ducho antes de ir al trabajo.
     (I take a shower before going to work.)

4. Cepillarse (to brush [teeth/hair])

   • Example: Me cepillo los dientes después de desayunar.
     (I brush my teeth after breakfast.)

5. Vestirse (to get dressed)

   • Example: Me visto rápidamente porque llego tarde.
     (I get dressed quickly because I’m running late.)

6. Maquillarse (to put on makeup)

   • Example: Ella se maquilla antes de salir.
     (She puts on makeup before going out.)

7. Acostarse (to go to bed)

   • Example: Me acuesto a las diez de la noche.
     (I go to bed at ten o'clock at night.)

8. Afeitarse (to shave)

   • Example: Él se afeita cada mañana.
     (He shaves every morning.)

9. Peinarse (to comb [hair])

   • Example: Me peino antes de salir de casa.
     (I comb my hair before leaving home.)

10. Relajarse (to relax)

    • Example: Me relajo después de un día largo.
      (I relax after a long day.)

How Reflexive Verbs Work

In Spanish, reflexive verbs use special words called reflexive pronouns. These pronouns must match the subject of the sentence. Here’s a quick guide:

• Yo → me (myself)
• Tú → te (yourself)
• Él/Ella/Usted → se (himself/herself/yourself)
• Nosotros/as → nos (ourselves)
• Vosotros/as → os (yourselves - mostly used in Spain)
• Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes → se (themselves/yourselves)

Using Reflexive Verbs in Sentences

Using reflexive verbs makes it easy to talk about daily routines. Here are some examples:

• Yo me despierto (I wake up)
• Tú te duchas (You take a shower)
• Nosotros nos vestimos (We get dressed)
• Ella se relaja (She relaxes)

Practice Sentences

To get better at using reflexive verbs, try making your own sentences with these questions:

1. What time do you wake up?
   Example answer: Me despierto a las seis. (I wake up at six.)

2. Describe your morning routine.
   Example answer: Me despierto, me levanto, y me ducho. (I wake up, get up, and take a shower.)

3. What do you do before bed?
   Example answer: Me cepillo los dientes y me acuesto. (I brush my teeth and go to bed.)

Conclusion

Learning to use reflexive verbs is key for talking about your daily activities in Spanish. Practice these verbs to describe your routines, and use them in your conversations. This will help you improve your Spanish skills and talk more easily!