Spanish grammar · Elementary (A2)
Reflexive verbs: me llamo, me levanto
What reflexive verbs are, how to use me, te, se, nos, os, and the everyday routine verbs you need.
What is a reflexive verb?
A “reflexive verb” is a verb where the action goes back to the subject, like “to wash yourself”. In the dictionary, these verbs end in -se: (to be called), (to get up), (to have a shower).
When you conjugate them, you add a “reflexive pronoun” that matches the subject. Often English doesn't need “myself” at all: is simply “I get up”.
| Person | Pronoun | |
|---|---|---|
| / / | ||
| / | ||
| / | ||
| / / |
Where the pronoun goes
The pronoun goes before a conjugated verb: . With an infinitive, it can also be joined to the end: or (both mean “I'm going to have a shower”). In the perfect tense it goes before : .
- Me levanto a las siete.I get up at seven.
- ¿A qué hora te acuestas?What time do you go to bed?
- Tengo que ducharme.I need to have a shower.
- Hoy me he levantado tarde.Today I got up late.
Useful reflexive verbs
Many are about the daily routine. Note that some are also stem-changing, like () and (). With parts of the body, Spanish uses / , not “my”: (I wash my hands).
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| (e → ie) | to wake up |
| to get up | |
| to have a shower | |
| (e → i) | to get dressed |
| to brush your teeth | |
| (o → ue) | to go to bed |
| (e → ie) | to sit down |
| to stay |
- Nos quedamos en casa el domingo.We're staying at home on Sunday.
- Siéntese, por favor.Please sit down. (polite)