Spanish grammar: verbos reflexivos básicos

What this grammar point covers

Reflexive verbs in Spanish are verbs where the subject does the action to themselves. These verbs use special pronouns (me, te, se, nos, os, se) to show that the action reflects back to the person.

When to use it

Use reflexive verbs in Spanish when talking about daily routines, personal care, feelings, or actions that someone does to themselves. For example, getting up, washing, or calling oneself.

Key forms

• me + verbo (yo) — me llamo
• te + verbo (tú) — te levantas
• se + verbo (él/ella/usted) — se ducha
• nos + verbo (nosotros/as) — nos vestimos
• os + verbo (vosotros/as) — os peináis
• se + verbo (ellos/ellas/ustedes) — se acuestan

Examples

Tips

• Always use the correct reflexive pronoun with the verb.
• Remember that some verbs change meaning when used reflexively.
• The pronoun goes before the conjugated verb, or attached to the end of an infinitive (for example: 'voy a ducharme').

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some verbs are always reflexive, and some can be reflexive or not, depending on the meaning.
• A few reflexive verbs have irregular conjugations, like 'irse'.