What are reflexive verbs in Spanish

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Let's study in this lesson from a TEACHER what are reflexive verbs in spanish. In a language as extensive as ours, after years of evolution all kinds of of forms and formulas so that we can have a large number of tools to speak and to write. That is, when it comes to communicating, the fact of using the Spanish language allows us to express ideas, actions and any type of activity thanks to the many rules that have been accumulated and that allow us a fluid use of the language.

In fact, and referring to reflexive verbs, for example, surely we use them every day with total naturalness, what happens is that we are not aware of it. However, as soon as you know what they are, you will immediately identify them. Take a pencil and paper and make a note.

Index

1. Reflexive verbs in Spanish
2. How to use reflexive verbs in Spanish
3. Special cases of reflexive verbs
4. What are the reflexive verbs in Spanish

Let us now know what are reflexive verbs in Spanish. We refer to

That is, a reflexive verb is one in which the action carried out falls on oneself, which is who uses it, hence they all have in common its ending with the pronoun se, such as bathing, getting up, combing or going to bed. That is to say, it is clearly observed that the action is falling on the person himself, hence they receive the name accompanied by reflexives.

Now let's look at some examples how we can use reflexive verbs in Spanish. You will quickly see that their use is very simple and you probably pronounce them daily in your usual and routine communications. However, we are so used to them that we do not notice their particularity.

In order to distinguish them, in addition to the pronoun I know(which goes to the end of the verb) we also have to look at other reflexive pronouns that can go independently within the sentence. Good examples of this are:

• Paco I know Raise
• Manolo I know shower

Sometimes more pronouns are added to the sentence, for example:

• I take a shower every twelve hours
• He always gets up late

In these cases seen, and many others, the reflexive verb has this condition due to the action of the pronouns that accompany them, also reflexive. Let's see more examples:

• I take a shower
• You wash yourself
• He cleans himself
• We soak
• You shave
• They put on makeup

The reflexive pronoun could also go after the verb, contrary to those we have seen, where it goes before. Let's see some examples in which they are appended to the infinitive or gerund:

• I'm going to comb my hair
• I'm getting my toenails done

We observed that pronoun position can be flexible.

There are also some special cases of reflexive verbs, in which a change of state is being indicated, but not a specific action. In this classification we would find examples, such as:

• Manuela was very happy
• My best friend became a carpenter

We observe that a change is communicated in the subject, hence the verb becomes reflexive, although it is not properly so. Other cases, although we will see more later, are:

• Get angry
• To worry
• Get depressed
• Dare
• Laugh
• Sadden
• Find out

Let's see now reflexive verbs in Spanish in this classification:

If they show actions on himself:

• lie
• take a bath
• brush
• get a shower
• stretch
• wash up
• stand up
• called
• make up
• look at each other
• to comb
• put on (the clothes)
• take off (the clothes)
• tear
• dry up
• sit down
• dress

If they show actions mutual or reciprocal:

• to love each other
• meet
• quarrel

If they refer to unthinkable actions or that are not deliberate:

• fall down
• get confused
• forget
• be lost
• break

If they show change in physical condition or state:

• approach to)
• get away (from)
• get off from)
• shut up
• get tired
• heal
• wake up
• fall sleep
• to get sick
• grow old
• get wet
• move
• move to another house)
• climb on)

When they show change in perception or sensation:

• remember)
• get used to)
• make sure (of)
• realise)
• to know about)
• take an interest (in)
• notice)
• forgetting of)

When the change occurs in the social status or condition:

• marry)
• divorce (from)
• impoverish
• get rich
• graduate from)

If the change occurs in the emotional state:

• remember)
• get bored
• be happy for)
• get scared
• to embarrass
• calm down
• to get tired of)
• have fun
• to fall in love with)
• rage
• go crazy
• get angry
• take pride
• grieve
• trust
• worry about)
• feel + adjective (of)
• calm down

When they show change in meaning for being accompanied by the reflexive pronoun:

• fire vs. say goodbye
• direct vs direct (a)
• find vs meet (with)
• go (a) vs go (de)
• carry vs get along (with)
• to put vs to get (with)
• look vs look like

When are they always reflective:

• remember)
• appropriate)
• regret)
• dare to)
• make a mistake
• strive
• boast of)
• complain about)
• to rebel
• commit suicide

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