Direct Object Pronouns: Objetos Directos (Complementos Directos)

Review from Spanish I: In Spanish, we use direct objects (pronouns) to answer the question "whom (quién)" or "what (qué)". What is a direct object? The direct object of a verb is the thing being acted upon, the receiver of the action. How do you determine the direct object of a sentence? You can find the direct object by finding the verb in the sentence and asking what (qué) or whom (quién).

Examples of Direct Objects

Here are some examples of direct object nouns (underlined) and their pronoun equivalent in parentheses. If you did not cover this material in Spanish 1, you need to be sure you understand this topic completely before moving on. Let your instructor know if you do not understand:

Examples of Spanish sentences with direct object nouns and their pronoun equivalent in parentheses.

English Examples of Direct Objects

Before you watch the video explanations on Spanish DOP [Direct Object Pronouns], look over the pronouns used in Spanish and learn them.

Example in English of singular and plural direct objects used in sentences. The child fed the dog. The child fed it. the child fed the dogs. The child fed them.

Example of English singular and plural direct object pronouns used in sentences. I will read the book for pleasure. I will read the books for pleasure.

Before you watch the video explanations on Spanish DOP [Direct Object Pronouns], look over the pronouns used in Spanish and learn them.

Direct object pronouns used in English and their Spanish equivalents chart.

How To Use Direct Objects

Learn how to use direct objects with the following video.

Direct Objects

Please watch the video below.

The Direct Objects Song!

Watch the following video.

Summary of Direct Object Pronouns in Spanish

Answer the question "who?" or "what?" is the verb acting upon:

Summary in a chart of both English and Spanish direct object pronouns.

How to Use Direct Object Pronouns in Spanish

Examples

The choir sings the song.

El coro canta la canción.

The choir sings it.

El coro la canta.

The choir sings the songs.

El coro canta las canciones.

The choir sings them.

El coro las canta.

I prefer the taco.

Yo prefiero el taco.

I prefer it.

Yo lo prefiero.

I prefer the tacos.

Yo prefiero los tacos.

I prefer them.

Yo los prefiero.

Direct object pronouns agree in person, number, and gender with the nouns they replace.
Object pronouns usually come in front of verbs. Ellos lo devolvieron a la maestra.
Object pronouns must be attached to the end of affirmative commands. ¡Cántala!
Object pronouns may be attached to present participles. El coro está cantándola.
Object pronouns may be attached to infinitives. El va a cantarla.

Test your knowledge of direct object pronouns.

Please complete the following activity.

Please complete the activity below.

Please complete the following activity.

Example: Juan tiene un perro grande en casa. (un perro grande = lo)
Juan lo tiene en casa.

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