LRD: Lesson - Los verbos reflexivos: Usage
Los verbos reflexivos: Usage
So, when do we use reflexive verbs? The basic rule is:
Use reflexive verbs when the subject (the person or thing performing the verb) and the object (the person or thing receiving the verb) are one and the same.
As you work through this lesson, please download the Verb Conjugation Handout Links to an external site..
Examples of Reflexive Verbs
Before we look at these examples, please remember: it is more common to see reflexive verbs in Spanish than in English. This means that there are times when you will need to remember that a certain English verb implies reflection (waking up = waking yourself up, for instance). It will be important to remember these verbs so that you can communicate correctly in Spanish!
Examples:
- Me lavo la cara. - I wash my face.
- Me cepillo los dientes. - I brush my teeth.
- Me acuesto a las diez de la noche. - I go to bed at ten o’clock at night.
In that last example, we see one instance where English does not need the reflexive pronoun and, in fact, it would sound awkward to include the reflexive pronoun there (I go myself to bed?). For all three of these examples, Spanish will require the reflexive pronoun.
Spanish Reflexive Verb Practice
If you haven't yet, be sure to download the Verb Conjugation Handout Links to an external site.. Several verbs have already been conjugated in the document to help you get started. Take time to conjugate each verb in the following list at least twice. You may prefer to watch the video lesson (below) first for a better understanding. Either way, please take time to complete this important practice!
| Spanish Reflexive Verb | English Meaning |
|---|---|
|
Acostarse |
To lie down, To go to bed |
|
Afeitarse |
To shave |
|
Bañarse |
To take a bath |
|
Cepillarse |
To brush
|
|
Despertarse |
To wake up
|
|
Dormirse |
To fall asleep |
|
Ducharse |
To take a shower |
|
Lavarse |
To wash oneself |
|
Levantarse |
To get up |
|
Maquillarse |
To put on makeup |
|
Prepararse |
To get ready |
|
Vestirse |
To get dressed |
Video Lesson
This video lesson will help you understand how to use and form reflexive verbs. You may want to watch it twice! You will need tu cuaderno (your notebook) and tu lápiz or bolígrafo (your pencil or your pen) Necesitas tomar apuntes (take notes) and complete practice activities.
Remember, email your teacher if you have any questions after you complete a lesson. Your instructor is always available to help you and clarify any additional questions you may have before you move forward with your studies.
Video credit: Cyber Profe
Practice Activity
Was this video lesson helpful? Can you say in Spanish I get up? Do you understand how to form reflexive verbs? If your answer was sí to all questions, then you are ready to complete the following practice activities.
All practice activities have unlimited attempts. Practice as many times as you need. When you complete practice activities, you are reviewing the lessons and preparing yourself to move forward in the course!
Complete the following practice activity. Be sure you do not forget to use correct end punctuation, capitalization, accents, and all diacritical marks in your response or points will be deducted.
NOTE: You are required to use information from this course to complete all practice activities. Additionally, fill-in-the-blank activities can be very particular: if an item is marked incorrect, double check that it wasn't something as minor as an extra space or a capital letter in the wrong place!
[CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Links to an external site.] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION - INTENDED ONLY FOR USE WITHIN LESSON.
Undrey/Shutterstock.com. Image used under license from Shutterstock.com and may not be repurposed.