How to Use Spanish Double Object Pronouns

 

Introduction

Spanish double object pronouns can seem tricky at first, but mastering them makes your sentences more natural and fluent. They allow you to replace both the indirect object (to whom/for whom) and the direct object (what/whom) in a single sentence. This guide will break down the rules with clear examples to help you use double object pronouns confidently.

1. Understanding Direct and Indirect Object Pronouns

Direct object pronouns (DOPs) replace the noun that receives the action:

  • me → me

  • te → you (informal)

  • lo / la → him, her, it

  • nos → us

  • os → you all (informal)

  • los / las → them

Indirect object pronouns (IOPs) replace the noun that benefits from or is affected by the action:

  • me → to/for me

  • te → to/for you

  • le → to/for him, her, you (formal)

  • nos → to/for us

  • os → to/for you all (informal)

  • les → to/for them, you all

2. Order of Pronouns

When using both pronouns together, the indirect object pronoun comes first, followed by the direct object pronoun:

Structure:
[IOP] + [DOP] + verb

Example:

  • Quiero dar el regalo a María. → Quiero dárselo.

    • le (to María) + lo (the gift) = dárselo

  • Estoy mostrando las fotos a mis amigos. → Se las estoy mostrando.

    • les → se (changes from le/les to se when combined with lo/la/los/las)

    • las → las fotos

3. Special Rule: "Le/Les" Changes to "Se"

When the indirect object pronoun is le or les and is combined with lo, la, los, las, it changes to se to avoid the awkward “lele” or “leslo”:

  • Correct: Se lo voy a dar.

  • Incorrect: Le lo voy a dar.

4. Placement with Different Verb Forms

A. With a Conjugated Verb

  • Place pronouns before the conjugated verb:

    • Juan me lo da. → Juan gives it to me.

B. With an Infinitive

  • Attach pronouns to the end of the infinitive or place them before the conjugated verb:

    • Quiero darme el regalo → Quiero dármelo.

    • Quiero dármelo. or → Me lo quiero dar.

C. With Gerunds

  • Attach pronouns to the end of the gerund or place them before the conjugated verb:

    • Estoy explicando la lección a ti → Estoy explicándotela.

    • Alternately: Te la estoy explicando.

5. Examples in Daily Conversation

  • Voy a mandar la carta a mi hermano. → Se la voy a mandar.

  • Ella está comprando los boletos para nosotros. → Ella está comprándonoslos. / Ella nos los está comprando.

  • Quiero contar el secreto a ti. → Quiero contártelo.

Summary

Spanish double object pronouns let you combine two pronouns into one concise sentence. Remember:

  1. Indirect object pronoun comes first.

  2. Direct object pronoun comes second.

  3. Change le/les to se when combined with lo/la/los/las.

  4. Placement varies with conjugated verbs, infinitives, and gerunds.

With practice, using double object pronouns will become second nature, making your Spanish sentences sound fluent and natural.