Spanish reflexive pronouns
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for freeWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Matias L.
18.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Berta B.
25.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Amaya U.
20.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Our offer
Reflexive pronouns (pronombres reflexivos) indicate that someone or something is performing an action on or for itself.
Examples:
- Cada mañana me ducho antes de irme a la oficina. (Every morning I shower [myself] before going to the office.)
- Clara se enfadó porque no la invitaron a su boda. (Clara got angry because they did not invite her to their wedding.)
Lesson outline
Hide- 1.Reflexive pronoun forms
- 2.Structure
- 3.Uses
- 4.Placement
- 4.1.Placement in commands
- 4.2.Placement with infinitive forms
- 4.3.Placement with gerund forms
- 5.How to describe your daily routine with reflexive verbs
- 6.Exercises
- 6.1.Spanish reflexive pronoun practice quiz
- 6.2.Spanish reflexive pronouns - Fill in the blanks
Reflexive pronoun forms
| Subject pronouns | Reflexive pronoun | English translation |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | me | myself |
| Tú | te | yourself |
Él Ella Usted | se | himself herself formal yourself |
| Nosotros / Nosotras | nos | ourselves |
| Vosotros / Vosotras | os | yourselves |
Ellos / Ellas Ustedes | se | themselves formal yourselves |
Examples:
- Me corté las uñas. (I cut my nails.)
- ¿Te has arreglado ya? (Have you already got ready?)
- Se lavan las manos. (They are washing their hands.)
- Nos despertamos muy tarde. (We woke up very late.)
- ¿Os habéis aburrido esta tarde? (Have you got bored this afternoon?)
Have a question?
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
- Native & verified teachers
- Free trial lesson
- Learning materials included
Marco T. 
15.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Alex A.
27.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Maria S.
18.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Fernando R.
15.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Alessandra F.
14.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Victoria L.
15.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Cristiana F.
12.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Cynthia O. 
12.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Grazia C.
12.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Hana S.
16.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Marco T.
15.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Alex A.
27.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Maria S.
18.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Fernando R.
15.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Alessandra F.
14.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Victoria L.
15.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Cristiana F.
12.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Cynthia O.
12.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Structure
Reflexive pronouns are part of reflexive verbs (verbos reflexivos) and they are generally placed before them.
The reflexive pronoun matches the subject of the verb in both number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, or third).
The subject and object of the verb generally refer to the same entity.
Example:
- Yo me baño. (I bathe myself.)
- Él se arrepintió de lo que hizo. (He regretted what he did.)
Sometimes the object which receives the action may be different but it refers to something which belongs to the subject (e.g. part of the body).
Example:
Lucía se cortó un dedo con el cuchillo. (Lucía cut her finger with a knife.)
Uses
| Uses | Example |
|---|---|
| actions related to personal care or daily routines | Cada mañana me peino. (Every morning I brush myself/my hair.) |
| indicating an emotional response to something (get angry, sad, etc.) | María se enfadó con su novio. (María got angry with her boyfriend.) |
| adding emphasis to a regular situation | Me comería una tarta entera. (I would eat an entire cake.) |
Placement
Reflexive pronouns generally precede verbs (both simple and compound ones).
Examples:
Mi novio se ha afeitado y ahora parece un niño. (My boyfriend shaved himself and now he looks like a child.)
Anyway, direct object pronoun placement depends on the conjugated form of the verb.
Pay attention to the following cases:
- negative and affirmative commands
- infinitive
- gerund
1. Placement in commands
With negative commands, the pronoun precedes the verb which refers to the command.
Example:
¡No te preocupes! (Don't worry!)
With affirmative commands, attach the pronoun to the verb which indicates the command.
Example:
¡Lávate* las manos! (Wash your hands!)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
* If the stressed syllable of the verb is the next-to-last one (not counting the pronoun), add the accent mark.
2. Placement with infinitive forms
When used with infinitive forms, the pronoun may occur after the verb and it is attached to it.
Example:
Acabo de ducharme. (I have just showered myself.)
It occurs before the conjugated form of a verb which precedes the infinitive as well.
Example:
Me acabo de levantar. (I have just got up.)
3. Placement with gerund forms
When used with gerund forms, the pronoun may occur after the verb and it is attached to it.
Example:
Estoy maquillandome. (I am putting on makeup.)
It occurs before the conjugated form of a verb which precedes the gerund as well.
Example:
Mi padre se está afeitando. (My father is shaving himself.)
How to describe your daily routine with reflexive verbs
| Reflexive verb | English translation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| acostar(se) | to go to bed | Mi abuela suele acostarse muy temprano. (My grandmother is used to going to bed early.) |
| afeitar(se) | to shave (oneself) | Mi padre se afeita cada mañana. (My father shaves [himself] every morning.) |
| bañar(se) | to have a bath | Los niños necesitan bañarse. (The children need to have a bath.) |
| despertar(se) | to wake up | ¿A qué hora te despiertas? (What time do you usually wake up?) |
| desvestir(se) | to get undressed | Rafael se desvistió y entró en la ducha. (Rafael got undressed and got in the shower.) |
| duchar(se) | to shower (oneself) | Acabo de volver del gimnasio. Necesito ducharme. (I have just got back from the gym. I need to shower [myself].) |
| lavar(se) | to wash (oneself) | ¡Lávate la cara! (Wash your face!) |
| levantar(se) | to get up | Esta mañana me he levantado a las nueve. (This morning I got up at nine.) |
| maquillar(se) | to put makeup on | Después de desayunar, me maquillo y salgo de casa. (After breakfast, I usually put my makeup on and leave home.) |
| peinar(se) | to brush (one's hair) | Lávate los dientes y peinate antes de salir. (Brush your teeth and brush your hair before going out.) |
| poner(se) | to put on, to wear | Creo que me pondré este vestido para salir con Juan. (I think I will wear this dress to go out with Juan.) |
| secar(se) | to dry off | Coge la toalla y sécate antes de vestirte. (Take the towel and dry [yourself] before getting dressed.) |
Exercises
Spanish reflexive pronoun practice quiz
Solution
For each sentence, pay attention to the correspondant personal pronoun.
Please memorise the following reflexive pronouns:
SINGULAR: PLURAL:
- Yo ME= myself - Nosotros/Nosotras NOS= ourselves
- Tú TE= yourself - Vosotros/Vosotras OS= yourselves
- Él/Ella/Usted SE= himself/herself/formal yourself - Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes SE= themselves
We are sitting in the dining room.
Nosotros nos sentamos en el comedor.
You bathe yourself.
Tú te bañas.
He shaves himself.
Él se afeita.
You look yourself in the mirror.
Vosotros os miráis en el espejo.
They get dressed.
Ellas se visten.
Have you forgotten him?
¿Tú te has olvidado de él?
She washes her hair.
Ella se lava el pelo.
We always remember what you told us.
Nosotros siempre nos acordamos de lo que dijiste.
I put on makeup.
Yo me maquillo.
You take off the gloves.
Vosotros os sacáis los guantes.
Spanish reflexive pronouns - Fill in the blanks
To make the right choice, pay attention to the subject of the sentence.
1- Cada mañana afeito antes de irme a la oficina. (Every morning I shave myself before going to the office.)
2- ¿ ha arreglado ya? (Has she already got ready?)
3- ¿A qué hora despertaste? (What time did you get up?)
4- lavamos la cara en el río. (We washed our face in the river.)
5- ¿ ducháis juntos? (Do you shower yourselves together?)
6- No arrepienten de nada. (They do not regret anything.)
7- enfadé con mis padres. (I got angry with my parents.)
8- ¡No preocupéis! (Don't worry!)
9- Anoche acostamos muy tarde. (Yesterday night we went to bed at midnight.)
10- Ana maquilla muy bien. (Ana makes herself up very well.)
Exercises
Spanish reflexive pronoun practice quiz
Solution
For each sentence, pay attention to the correspondant personal pronoun.
Please memorise the following reflexive pronouns:
SINGULAR: PLURAL:
- Yo ME= myself - Nosotros/Nosotras NOS= ourselves
- Tú TE= yourself - Vosotros/Vosotras OS= yourselves
- Él/Ella/Usted SE= himself/herself/formal yourself - Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes SE= themselves
We are sitting in the dining room.
Nosotros nos sentamos en el comedor.
You bathe yourself.
Tú te bañas.
He shaves himself.
Él se afeita.
You look yourself in the mirror.
Vosotros os miráis en el espejo.
They get dressed.
Ellas se visten.
Have you forgotten him?
¿Tú te has olvidado de él?
She washes her hair.
Ella se lava el pelo.
We always remember what you told us.
Nosotros siempre nos acordamos de lo que dijiste.
I put on makeup.
Yo me maquillo.
You take off the gloves.
Vosotros os sacáis los guantes.
Spanish reflexive pronouns - Fill in the blanks
To make the right choice, pay attention to the subject of the sentence.
1- Cada mañana afeito antes de irme a la oficina. (Every morning I shave myself before going to the office.)
2- ¿ ha arreglado ya? (Has she already got ready?)
3- ¿A qué hora despertaste? (What time did you get up?)
4- lavamos la cara en el río. (We washed our face in the river.)
5- ¿ ducháis juntos? (Do you shower yourselves together?)
6- No arrepienten de nada. (They do not regret anything.)
7- enfadé con mis padres. (I got angry with my parents.)
8- ¡No preocupéis! (Don't worry!)
9- Anoche acostamos muy tarde. (Yesterday night we went to bed at midnight.)
10- Ana maquilla muy bien. (Ana makes herself up very well.)
What our students say
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
I am French of Colombian descent, and currently live in southern France. I spent my childhood in Colombia, however I have been living in France for over 34 years. I also lived in the United States of America for a year, and in Brazil for 4 years. I am fluent in French, Spanish, and English, understand and speak Portuguese very well.
I have earned a Masters degree in didactics of languages from de University of Angers, a DAEFLE Diploma from the Alliance Française of Paris, and a Linguistics in French as a Foreign Language Diploma from the Sorbonne University of Paris.
I am a teacher of French and Spanish as foreign languages. I currently teach French to foreigners at a language institute in the city where I live, as well as give private virtual lessons.
I teach the language in a playful, thorough, and effective manner; for these purposes I use books, digital applications, short films and audio recordings.
It would be a pleasure to help you reach the goals of your expectations.
H. N.
Giovanna is a very friendly and experienced teacher. I had a very great time speaking to her and can definitely recommend her as a teacher.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Giovanna C.
B. V.
A very kind teacher who does everything possible to achieve your goals. He is very smiling and youthful too, so the good vibes cannot be absent from the classes. In addition, his way of teaching is very professional and he organizes all the classes according to your preferences. Being an examiner accredited by the Cervantes Institute, she offers you help at all levels. And lastly, she is a very motivating person. From the first class I had with her, my motivation has multiplied more and more. I recommend it with all my heart.
Noelia N.
Thanks, Bence! It is a luxury to have students like you. :)
In my classes students will not only learn English to use in the classroom. Students will learn English to use in real life. I cater my curriculums specifically to my students and their goals. I include lessons and activities to help students learn how to speak, listen to, understand, write, and read the English language. I offer classes for all ages and levels. I use accredited books and sources, however I also use common items seen in the United States as learning tools to give students an authentic experience. I hope to see you in the classroom!
H. N.
Brianna is a well experienced teacher, especially for teaching children and young adults. She is very motivated and determined and I can surely recommend her as a teacher.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Brianna C.
Hello! My name is Peniel and I have been teaching English online for less than a year. MY hobbies include playing basketball, football (soccer), video-games, writing poems and creating music.
As it relates to my teaching style, I like to ensure that my students feel free to express themselves while we still maintain a professional boundary and seek to accomplish our set goal.
I prepare learning materials based on the needs of my students. They can range from:
- Free Conversation (casual talking)
- Reading and Question materials (multiple choice included)
- Homework (if necessary or requested)
H. K.
Peniel is a young and passionate English teacher who wants to work with you to improve your English skills. With his exciting and varied lessons, you will definitely not get bored and you will be able to achieve your language goals in no time! So don't wait any longer and book your first lesson with Peniel today!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Peniel R.
Hi, I'm Francesca
I have been teaching Italian to adults since 2010, individual and group lessons. I have a degree in English and French, and I have a diploma of interpreter in German. In the summer I teach Italian in full immersion courses in Tuscany, where I live.
I really enjoy helping people to learn more not only about Italian as a language but also the rich Italian culture.
Usually I divide my lessons into three parts: a bit of grammar (which is unfortunately very useful...but I can teach you some tricks to learn without much effort!), a listening/reading comprehension part usually with videos, songs, docs about Italy and then ... we talk about Italy!
I will provide all material, and I'll send them by email.
H. K.
Francesca is a passionate Italian teacher who has been teaching this wonderful language for over 8 years already. With her practical and lively lessons, she wants to help you improve your Italian skills and use them in your everyday life. Therefore, she puts great emphasis on interaction and vocabulary that you really need. In addition, Francesca will help you learn about the history of Italian culture and this beautiful country. So don't wait any longer and book your first Italian lesson with Francesca today.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Francesca R.
Hello! My name is Jacko a TESOL certified teacher and I've been teaching English online to both young learners and adult learners of different levels since 2015. For me, teaching is a mission, I will be with you every step of the way and make sure to guide and help you until you reach your goas. I’m patient, friendly, engaging and I always make sure my students can learn in a very simple way while having fun at the same time. I do believe that "Nothing is impossible" so "Just do it"! I hope to meet and see you in one of my class!
H. K.
Jade is an outgoing and dedicated English teacher. You can tell how much he loves to share his knowledge with new students. Since he can teach all levels, from beginner to advanced, he is definitely the right teacher for you and will adapt the English lessons exactly to your needs and your level. Since he uses different sorts of materials in his classes, you will never get bored, and you will be able to improve your English skills in a fun and easy way. So don't hesitate any longer and book your first lesson with Jade today!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Jade D.
Professional teacher of German and Russian language, graduated in Foreign Languages and Literature.
I work as a high school and private teacher for teenagers, adults, companies.
I got my C2 Level Certificate Goethe Institut - German Language in 2020.
Professional examiner ÖSD Zertifikat (Austrian German Certificate) for the levels A2, B1, B2, C1 (2021-2022).
One-on-one lessons, group lessons, flexible for student's needs at all levels A1 A2 B1 B2 C1.
H. N.
Andrea is a very well-structured teacher. He is very passionate about teaching and multilingual. I can really recommend him to anyone.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Andrea P.
Hello, Spanish learner! I am Isabel, your Spanish teacher.
I am a professional online Spanish teacher for 3 years. I am a native speaker from Colombia.
My lessons are completely in Spanish because I want you to speak as much as possible. During my lessons, we will focus on conversation and pronunciation. But a typical lesson also contains a vocabulary topic and a grammar topic.
I will focus on your needs and your mistakes to improve your Spanish as quickly as possible. In the first lesson, we will do a level test to check your current level (CEFR A1, A2, B1, B2, C1)
If you would like to improve your Spanish, learn more about the South American culture, gastronomy and traditions, I am your teacher! Or if you just want to talk in Spanish, about any subject you like, I would be happy to meet you online.
Send me a message and I will provide you a 30-minute free trial lesson!
See you online on Skype.
Your Spanish teacher, Isabel
J. S.
Isabel always has some materials prepared and is using different types of exercises during the class. From talking, reading, listening and writing - she uses everything. She is also very easy to understand and speaks clearly!
Isabel S.
I am Laura and I have been teaching Italian for more than 30 years. I specialized in Italian as a Second Language teaching and use a communicative approach to teach grammar, with the objective of quickly learning how to effectively communicate in Italian and have fun at the same time! I can also prepare you on all the levels of the CILS, PLIDA, CELI certifications.
Contact me to organize the perfect course for your needs.
D. E.
Laura has been an Italian teacher for 30 years. She is very professional and friendly, ready to customize her lessons on your needs and goals. If you want to learn Italian, we can recommend her 100%
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Laura G.
I have been teaching English for eleven years to different nationalities of different levels. I have taught Grammar classes, conversational courses, TOIEC classes, and text courses for beginners. My teaching methods really depend on the level of the student, I usually teach a concept using two kinds of textbooks to beginners and I provide lots of corrections and sample sentences to advanced students. I am very natural and I love to listen to the personal experiences of my students. I am also TESOL certified, which I believe makes me qualified for the position. I hope to see you in the future.
H. K.
With 11 years of teaching experience, Maila can teach you not only English but also Filipino in a fun and easy way. She can provide you with different learning materials and therefore teaches everyone from beginners to advanced. Her classes are very communicative, interactive and thus perfect for any age group, including children. Don't hesitate and book your first lesson with Maila now!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Maila P.
thanks for the nice review :)
I offer personalized English classes which are really suitable to the student's level and motivations.
I work equally the four main skills of the language throughout authentic materials such as songs, videos, movies or short films and even magazines and newspapers articles. I also combine my classes with course books whose levels are challenging enough to help the students to make an accurate and confident learning progress.
I offer grammar and vocabulary exercises and activities to help the students to enrich the language's development.
My classes are online within reduced groups of students to maintain classes well balanced and entertaining enough. I also offer individual lessons.
The duration of the classes are ideally 60 minutes long.
H. N.
Marisol is a very open and friendly person and I really enjoyed talking to her. She has great experience in tutoring children but is also well prepared to teaching adults.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Marisol B.
funny spanish
S. G.
Elsa is a really nice and sweet teacher. She has experience with every kind of student, but especially with children. She will adapt the classes to the students' different levels and needs, and she will provide all the learning materials they might need.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Elsa N.
C. .
Noelia is a highly professional teacher that I would recommend to any level student. She is organized and very knowledgeable, and does an excellent job explaining concepts such as grammar and expressions. She will also work with you to develop the particular skills you want to improve and gather relevant materials ahead of time so that you can practice them at home and then work on them together in class.
Noelia N.
Thank you, Carla! You are a very nice student. :)
I am a native English language teacher from Ireland. I have the highly acclaimed accreditation of CELTA. I have been living and teaching in Spain for the past 2 years. I specialise in medical English and in exam preparation. I have trained others to become teachers through the TEFL scheme. My students have been very successful in their exams and I have a brilliant track record. I teach all levels and employ different methods, depending on my student's level of comprehension and their objectives. So for example, if I had a juvenile A1 student, I would play games, use flash cards, keep the class dynamic and I would change activity regularly. This helps to hold their attention and keeps them engaged. Their following lesson then touches on revision and progression. If I had a C1 student, I would help them to work on their exam preparation skills and especially their grammar and speaking skills, I would also teach them specific terminology for their area of study/career.
I adore teaching, I am an excellent teacher and I can definitely help to make English easy for you. I am friendly, engaging and I can mimic different accents! :) I can teach British or American English.
I hope to welcome you to my class soon.
H. N.
Fiona is a new and qualified teacher. I really enjoyed speaking to her, she is very friendly and humorous. She has a a lot of teaching material, even for children and I can highly recommend booking a lesson with her.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Fiona W.
I am French of Colombian descent, and currently live in southern France. I spent my childhood in Colombia, however I have been living in France for over 34 years. I also lived in the United States of America for a year, and in Brazil for 4 years. I am fluent in French, Spanish, and English, understand and speak Portuguese very well.
I have earned a Masters degree in didactics of languages from de University of Angers, a DAEFLE Diploma from the Alliance Française of Paris, and a Linguistics in French as a Foreign Language Diploma from the Sorbonne University of Paris.
I am a teacher of French and Spanish as foreign languages. I currently teach French to foreigners at a language institute in the city where I live, as well as give private virtual lessons.
I teach the language in a playful, thorough, and effective manner; for these purposes I use books, digital applications, short films and audio recordings.
It would be a pleasure to help you reach the goals of your expectations.
H. N.
Giovanna is a very friendly and experienced teacher. I had a very great time speaking to her and can definitely recommend her as a teacher.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Giovanna C.
B. V.
A very kind teacher who does everything possible to achieve your goals. He is very smiling and youthful too, so the good vibes cannot be absent from the classes. In addition, his way of teaching is very professional and he organizes all the classes according to your preferences. Being an examiner accredited by the Cervantes Institute, she offers you help at all levels. And lastly, she is a very motivating person. From the first class I had with her, my motivation has multiplied more and more. I recommend it with all my heart.
Noelia N.
Thanks, Bence! It is a luxury to have students like you. :)
In my classes students will not only learn English to use in the classroom. Students will learn English to use in real life. I cater my curriculums specifically to my students and their goals. I include lessons and activities to help students learn how to speak, listen to, understand, write, and read the English language. I offer classes for all ages and levels. I use accredited books and sources, however I also use common items seen in the United States as learning tools to give students an authentic experience. I hope to see you in the classroom!
H. N.
Brianna is a well experienced teacher, especially for teaching children and young adults. She is very motivated and determined and I can surely recommend her as a teacher.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Brianna C.
Hello! My name is Peniel and I have been teaching English online for less than a year. MY hobbies include playing basketball, football (soccer), video-games, writing poems and creating music.
As it relates to my teaching style, I like to ensure that my students feel free to express themselves while we still maintain a professional boundary and seek to accomplish our set goal.
I prepare learning materials based on the needs of my students. They can range from:
- Free Conversation (casual talking)
- Reading and Question materials (multiple choice included)
- Homework (if necessary or requested)
H. K.
Peniel is a young and passionate English teacher who wants to work with you to improve your English skills. With his exciting and varied lessons, you will definitely not get bored and you will be able to achieve your language goals in no time! So don't wait any longer and book your first lesson with Peniel today!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Peniel R.