9.8.4

Reflexive Pronouns

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Reflexive Pronouns

All reflexive verbs have reflexive pronouns, which change depending on who is doing the action. These pronouns are used in every tense.

Reflexive Verbs

A verb is reflexive if the subject commits an action on itself. Reflexive verbs are easy to recognise because their infinitives always end in 'se'.

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English translation

  • When translated into english, reflexive verbs mean 'to do something to oneself'.
    • 'Lavarse' means to 'wash oneself' compared to 'lavar', which just means 'to wash'.
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Reflexive verbs in the infinitve

  • Reflexive AR verbs end in 'arse' in the infinitive.
    • Sacarse (to take something off oneself).
  • Reflexive ER verbs end in 'erse' in the infinitive.
    • Verse (to see oneself).
  • Reflexive IR verbs end in 'irse' in the infinitive.
    • Aburrirse (to get bored).
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Conjugation

  • Reflexive verbs need a reflexive pronoun when conjugated.
  • Here is an example with 'levantarse' in the present tense:
    • (Yo) me levanto.
    • (Tú) te levantas.
    • (Él/ella) se levanta.
    • (Nosotros) nos levantamos.
    • (Vosotros) os levantáis.
    • (Ellos/ellas) se levantan.

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