Spanish grammar: pronombres de objeto directo

What this grammar point covers

Direct object pronouns in Spanish are small words that replace the direct object in a sentence. They help you avoid repeating nouns.

When to use it

Use direct object pronouns in Spanish when you want to replace a noun that receives the action of the verb directly. This makes sentences shorter and avoids repetition.

Key forms

• me (me)
• te (you)
• lo/la (him, her, it, you formal)
• nos (us)
• os (you all, informal in Spain)
• los/las (them, you all formal)

Examples

Tips

• The pronoun usually goes before the conjugated verb: Lo tengo.
• With infinitives or gerunds, you can attach the pronoun to the end: Quiero verlo.
• Remember to match the pronoun's gender and number with the noun it replaces.

Exceptions and edge cases

• With affirmative commands, the pronoun is attached to the end: ¡Cómpralo!
• With negative commands, the pronoun goes before: No lo compres.