In order to explain the use of reflexive pronouns, we would like to highlight that there are also reflexive pronouns in English. The words “myself”, “yourself”, “himself”, “herself”, “ourselves”, “yourselves”, “ourselves” and “themselves” which play the same role as the Spanish ones. Thus Spanish speakers often use reflexive pronouns and verbs when referring to actions they perform by themselves.
Emphasizing the subject
There are five reflexive pronouns in Spanish (me, te, se, os, nos). They are usually placed before the verbs which they are related with. Although it might be unnecessary for English speakers to use reflexive pronouns. In Spanish, they are used to emphasize that the subject of the sentence is also the object. Take for example, the following sentences:
- “Yo me visto.” – I get dressed. ( myself)
- “Tú te peinas.” – You comb. (yourself)
- “Él se baña.” – He takes a shower. (himself)
- “Nosotros nos levantamos temprano.” – We get up. (ourselves)
- “Ustedes se sienten bien.” – You feel good. (yourselves)
- “Ellos se cepillan los dientes.” – They brush their teeth. (themselves)
Identifying reflexive verbs
It is important to outline that reflexive pronouns used with reflexive verbs such as “levantarse” (to get up), “cepillarse” (to brush one’s teeth), “emocionarse” (to get excited), “llamarse” (to be named), and so on and so forth. However, not all Spanish verbs have a reflexive form.
Now that we have seen reflexive pronouns in Spanish you might be able to use them properly. At Bright lingua, you can find Spanish courses that for sure will reinforce your knowledge of this beautiful language.