Introduction to Reflexive Verbs in Spanish: A Beginner’s Guide


Learning Spanish verbs can be challenging, especially when you encounter reflexive verbs. These verbs are unique because the action reflects back on the subject, meaning the person performing the action is also receiving it. Understanding reflexive verbs is essential for mastering everyday Spanish conversations.

In this guide, we’ll explain what reflexive verbs are, how to use them, and common examples to help you feel confident speaking Spanish.

What Are Reflexive Verbs?

A reflexive verb in Spanish shows that the subject and the object are the same. In English, this is often expressed with phrases like “myself,” “yourself,” or “themselves.”

Example:

  • Lavarse = to wash oneself

    • Me lavo las manos. → I wash my hands.
      Here, the person doing the action (I) is also receiving the action (washing myself).

How to Identify Reflexive Verbs

Reflexive verbs in Spanish always include a reflexive pronoun. These pronouns match the subject of the verb:

Subject Reflexive Pronoun Example
yo me me levanto (I get up)
tú te te duchas (you shower)
él/ella se se viste (he/she gets dressed)
nosotros nos nos peinamos (we comb our hair)
vosotros os os bañáis (you all bathe)
ellos/ellas se se acuestan (they go to bed)

Tip: Look for verbs that end in “-se” in the infinitive form. This is a strong clue that the verb is reflexive.

Common Reflexive Verbs

Here’s a list of frequently used reflexive verbs:

  • levantarse – to get up

  • ducharse – to shower

  • vestirse – to get dressed

  • acostarse – to go to bed

  • peinarse – to comb one’s hair

  • maquillarse – to put on makeup

  • afeitarse – to shave

Example Sentences:

  • Ella se maquilla antes de salir. → She puts on makeup before going out.

  • Nos levantamos temprano todos los días. → We get up early every day.

How to Conjugate Reflexive Verbs

Conjugating reflexive verbs is similar to regular verbs, but you always include the reflexive pronoun.

Steps:

  1. Remove the “-se” from the infinitive.

  2. Conjugate the verb according to the subject.

  3. Place the reflexive pronoun before the conjugated verb.

Example: levantarse (to get up)

  • Yo → me levanto

  • Tú → te levantas

  • Él → se levanta

  • Nosotros → nos levantamos

  • Ellos → se levantan

Tip: Reflexive pronouns can also be attached to infinitives or gerunds in compound sentences:

  • Voy a levantarme temprano. → I am going to get up early.

  • Estoy levantándome ahora. → I am getting up now.

When Reflexive Verbs Are Optional

Some verbs can be used reflexively or non-reflexively depending on the meaning:

  • Llamar – to call

  • Llamarse – to call oneself (used for names)

    • Me llamo Ana. → My name is Ana.

    • Llamo a mi amigo. → I call my friend.

  • Dormir – to sleep

  • Dormirse – to fall asleep

    • Se duerme rápidamente. → He falls asleep quickly.

Conclusion

Reflexive verbs are an essential part of Spanish and appear in many everyday situations, from personal care routines to daily actions. By learning to identify them, use the correct reflexive pronouns, and conjugate properly, you can speak more naturally and accurately in Spanish.

Start practicing with common reflexive verbs and notice how often they come up in conversations—it’s a skill that will quickly improve your fluency.