Spanish grammar: leísmo, laísmo y loísmo

What this grammar point covers

Leísmo, laísmo, and loísmo are special uses of the Spanish pronouns 'le', 'la', and 'lo'. They refer to how people sometimes use these pronouns differently from the standard rules, especially in Spain.

When to use it

Normally, 'le' is for indirect objects (to/for someone), and 'lo/la' are for direct objects (someone or something). However, in some regions, people use 'le' for direct masculine persons (leísmo), 'la' for indirect feminine persons (laísmo), or 'lo' for indirect masculine persons (loísmo).

Key forms

• 'le' (for indirect objects, sometimes used for direct objects, especially masculine people)
• 'la' (for direct objects, sometimes used for indirect objects, especially feminine people)
• 'lo' (for direct objects, sometimes used for indirect objects, especially masculine people)

Examples

Tips

• In standard Spanish, use 'le' for indirect objects and 'lo/la' for direct objects.
• Leísmo is accepted in some regions for masculine persons, but not for things.
• Avoid laísmo and loísmo in formal writing and speech.

Exceptions and edge cases

• In central Spain, leísmo with masculine persons is sometimes considered correct.
• Never use 'le' for direct objects that are things.