Los Verbos Reflexivos
Reflexive Pronouns & Present Tense
Reflexive verbs show that the action of the verb is performed on or for the same person performing it. They are essential in everyday Spanish routines.
Reflexive Pronouns
📐 The Formula
Reflexive Pronoun + Conjugated Verb
How to Conjugate Reflexive Verbs
Remove -se
Take the reflexive ending off the infinitive.
levantarse → levantar
Conjugate Verb
Conjugate the remaining verb normally.
levantar → levanto
Add Pronoun
Place the matching pronoun before the verb.
me levanto
Regular: Levantarse
| Subject | Spanish |
|---|---|
| yo | me levanto |
| tú | te levantas |
| él/ella | se levanta |
| nosotros | nos levantamos |
| vosotros | os levantáis |
| ellos/ellas | se levantan |
Common Irregulars
Despertarse (e → ie)
to wake up
→ me diespierto
Acostarse (o → ue)
to go to bed
→ me acuesto
Vestirse (e → i)
to get dressed
→ me visto
Irse (Irregular)
to leave
→ me voy
More Than “Myself”
What changes when Spanish adds -se?
Some verbs are truly reflexive, but many common -se verbs change meaning or add a useful nuance. Learn the pair, not only the pronoun.
| Without -se | With -se | Useful contrast |
|---|---|---|
| lavar — to wash something | lavarse — to wash oneself | Lavo el coche. / Me lavo las manos. |
| ir — to go | irse — to leave / go away | Voy a Madrid. / Me voy de casa. |
| dormir — to sleep | dormirse — to fall asleep | Duermo ocho horas. / Me dormí en el sofá. |
| poner — to put | ponerse — to put on / become | Pongo la mesa. / Me pongo nervioso. |
| quedar — to arrange / remain | quedarse — to stay | Quedamos a las ocho. / Me quedo aquí. |
| olvidar — to forget | olvidarse de — to forget | Olvidé las llaves. / Me olvidé de las llaves. |
Where does the reflexive pronoun go?
With a conjugated verb, the pronoun normally comes before it. With an infinitive or gerund, it can also attach to the end.
Important: accidental SE
Things we forget or do unintentionally
Spanish often uses se + indirect-object pronoun to present an event as accidental or unintentional. The verb agrees with the thing that was forgotten, lost, broken, etc.
Se me olvidó la llave.
I forgot the key. / The key slipped my mind.
Se me olvidaron las llaves.
I forgot the keys.
Why olvidaron? Because las llaves is plural. Compare: se me olvidó la llave / se me olvidaron las llaves.
Reflexive Spanish you actually use
These are worth learning as complete chunks.
I don't remember.
I realize...
I feel good.
I'm leaving now.
I'm staying here.
I get along well with him.
Don't worry.
He/She was mistaken.
I regret it.
Comprar vs. comprarse: doing something for yourself
Spanish can use a reflexive/pronominal pronoun to emphasize that someone does something for themselves. The pronoun is not always required, but it adds a natural everyday nuance.
I bought a book.
I bought myself a book.
Key Difference: IR vs. IRSE
IR
To go
(Destination focused)
Voy a Madrid.
I am going to Madrid.
Tengo que ir.
I have to go.
Ya voy.
I'm coming. / I'm on my way.
IRSE
To leave
(Departure focused)
Me voy de casa.
I am leaving home.
Tengo que irme.
I have to leave.
Ya me voy.
I'm leaving now.
Reflexive Verbs in the Imperative Mood
With affirmative commands, attach the reflexive pronoun to the end. With negative commands, place it before the verb. Stem-changing verbs keep their command pattern: sentar → sienta → siéntate. For affirmative vosotros, replace the final -d with -os: sentad → sentaos.
¡Siéntate!
Sit down! — sienta + te → siéntate¡No te sientes! · ¡Sentaos!
Don't sit down! · Sit down! (vosotros)