Reflexive Verbs

Reflexive verbs are a special type of verb in which the subject of the verb performs the action on themselves. They are indicated by a reflexive pronoun that matches the subject of the verb. In this guide, you'll learn how to use reflexive verbs and how to conjugate them correctly in different tenses.

When to use reflexive verbs

Reflexive verbs are used to express actions that someone does to themselves or for themselves. They can describe daily routines, personal care activities, or actions that involve self-reflection. Here are some common examples:

• Lavarse (to wash oneself)
• Peinarse (to comb one's hair)
• Vestirse (to dress oneself)

Conjugating reflexive verbs

To conjugate reflexive verbs correctly, follow these steps:

1. Identify the reflexive pronoun: The reflexive pronoun must match the subject of the verb.

2. Place the reflexive pronoun before the verb: The reflexive pronoun is placed before the verb and can't be separated from it.

3. Conjugate the verb: Conjugate the verb as you would with any regular verb, but keep in mind that the ending might change depending on the tense and subject pronoun.

Here's a breakdown of the reflexive pronouns in different grammatical persons:

• Me (myself) - used with the subject pronoun "yo"
• Te (yourself) - used with the subject pronoun "tú" or "vos"
• Se (himself/herself/yourself) - used with the subject pronoun "él," "ella," "usted," or "ustedes"
• Nos (ourselves) - used with the subject pronoun "nosotros/nosotras"
• Se (themselves/yourselves) - used with the subject pronoun "ellos/ellas"

Example conjugations in different tenses

Let's see how to conjugate the reflexive verb "levantarse" (to get up) in different tenses:

• Present tense:

  • Yo me levanto
  • Tú te levantas
  • Él/Ella/Usted se levanta
  • Nosotros/Nosotras nos levantamos
  • Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes se levantan

• Past tense:

  • Yo me levanté
  • Tú te levantaste
  • Él/Ella/Usted se levantó
  • Nosotros/Nosotras nos levantamos
  • Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes se levantaron

• Future tense:

  • Yo me levantaré
  • Tú te levantarás
  • Él/Ella/Usted se levantará
  • Nosotros/Nosotras nos levantaremos
  • Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes se levantarán

Keep in mind that the conjugation of the reflexive verb remains the same regardless of the tense or mood. The only difference is the reflexive pronoun that matches the subject.

Reflexive verbs with infinitives and gerunds

When a reflexive verb is used with an infinitive or a gerund, the reflexive pronoun remains attached to the verb. Here are some examples:

• Voy a levantarme (I'm going to get up)
• Estoy lavándome (I'm washing myself)
• Prefiero peinarme (I prefer to comb my hair)

Conclusion

That's it! You now understand the use of reflexive verbs and how to conjugate them correctly in different tenses. Remember to always match the reflexive pronoun to the subject of the verb and place it before the conjugated verb. Practice using reflexive verbs in different contexts to reinforce your understanding. Happy learning!