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What are Spanish Reflexive Verbs?
Spanish reflexive verbs (verbos reflexivos) are verbs where the subject performs an action on themselves. They are always used with reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos, os, se) that correspond to the subject.
Reflexive verbs can express actions done to oneself, reciprocal actions, or changes of state.
Examples
Me ducho por la mañana.
I shower in the morning.
Se miran en el espejo.
They look at themselves in the mirror.
Nos escribimos cartas.
We write letters to each other.
Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns must agree with the subject and are placed before the conjugated verb.
Reflexive Pronoun Forms
Each subject has its corresponding reflexive pronoun:
Reflexive Pronouns
| Pronoun | Conjugation | English |
|---|---|---|
| yo | me | myself |
| tú | te | yourself |
| él/ella/usted | se | himself/herself/yourself |
| nosotros | nos | ourselves |
| vosotros | os | yourselves |
| ellos/ellas/ustedes | se | themselves/yourselves |
Placement of Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are placed before conjugated verbs, but can attach to infinitives and gerunds:
Me levanto a las siete.
I get up at seven.
Voy a levantarme / Me voy a levantar.
I am going to get up.
Estoy levantándome / Me estoy levantando.
I am getting up.
Types of Reflexive Verbs
Spanish reflexive verbs can be categorized into different types based on their meaning and usage.
True Reflexive (Action on Oneself)
The subject performs an action on themselves:
Me lavo la cara.
I wash my face.
Se corta el pelo.
He cuts his hair.
Nos vestimos rápidamente.
We get dressed quickly.
Reciprocal Actions
Actions performed mutually between subjects:
Se aman mucho.
They love each other very much.
Nos conocimos en la universidad.
We met each other at university.
Se escriben emails todos los días.
They write emails to each other every day.
Change of State/Emotion
Verbs expressing changes in emotional or physical state:
Me enfado cuando llueve.
I get angry when it rains.
Se pone nervioso antes de los exámenes.
He gets nervous before exams.
Nos alegramos de verte.
We are happy to see you.
Common Reflexive Verbs
Here are some of the most frequently used reflexive verbs in Spanish.
Examples
levantarse - to get up
Me levanto a las seis.
ducharse - to shower
Se ducha por la noche.
acostarse - to go to bed
Nos acostamos tarde.
llamarse - to be called
¿Cómo te llamas?