Reflexive Verbs: Konjugation and Usage

Reflexive verbs refer to the subject performing the action. They function in Spanish with a reflexive pronoun (se = oneself). In English, you add a reflexive pronoun too, but it is not seen as part of the verb.

Conjugation with an Example

Rule 1: The verb "levantarse" (to get up) is reflexive and therefore must be accompanied by the respective reflexive pronoun in each conjugation. Reflexive pronouns are similar to object pronouns except for the third person ("se").

The Reflexive Pronouns at a Glance:

Rule 2: In the sentence, reflexive pronouns come directly before the verb. If the subject is mentioned, the pronoun of the reflexive verb stands between the subject and the verb.

Reflexive and Non-Reflexive Verbs

Some verbs have a reflexive and a non-reflexive form. Sometimes the meaning is similar, while in other cases it can be very different.

The example shows that the verb retains its meaning. In the second case, only the self-reference is added by the reflexive pronoun.

In this case, the meaning of the reflexive verb already deviates a bit more and the omission of the reflexive pronoun could change the context of the sentence.

Rule 3: There are also verbs that completely change their meaning with a reflexive pronoun.

Position in the Sentence

Rule 4: In most cases, the reflexive verb is placed after the subject together with its pronoun. However, it can also appear in its infinitive form in combination with other conjugated verbs (e.g.: levantarse).

As you can see, the reflexive pronoun is attached to the infinitive of the verb.

Rule 5: Something similar happens with reflexive verbs in the gerund or imperative: