EXP: Gramática Lesson - Using Reflexive Pronouns with Commands

Using Reflexive Pronouns with Commands

Occasionally we'll want to use a reflexive verb as a command. The reflexive pronouns follow the same pattern as object pronouns. Let's look at alegrarse (to be happy) in command form (we'll look at the negatives as well even though that wouldn't be very nice):

Example - Alegrarse with Reflexive Pronoun
Type of Command Tú Form Usted Form Ustedes Form
Affirmative alégrate alégrese alégrense
Negative no te alegres no te alegre no te alegren

Nosotros and Vosostros Forms

The nosotros and vosotros commands are slightly different when using a reflexive pronoun. To make pronunciation a bit easier, we're going to drop the "-s" from the affirmative nosotros command and the "-d"from the affirmative vosotros command before adding the reflexive pronoun. The negative commands are unaffected:

Example - Alegrarse with Reflexive Pronoun
Type of Command Nosotros Form Vosotros Form
Affirmative alegrémonos alegraos
Negative no nos alegremos no os alegréis

Exceptions

There are a few exceptions when dealing with the vosotros form.

  • The verb irse
    • The vosotros command form retains the d: 
    • idos.
  • Reflexive -ir verbs
    • The vosotros command form requires you to add an accent mark:
      • divertirse: divertíos
      • sentirse: sentíos
      • vestirse: vestíos

Practice Activity

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