Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| nos | /nos/ |
| nosotros | /noˈsotɾos/ |
The term 'ourselves' in English can be translated into Spanish in two main ways. Use the reflexive pronoun nos when the word functions as a reflexive object (such as 'we see ourselves') or an indirect object (such as 'we buy ourselves'). Alternatively, use nosotros mismos when you want to add emphasis or to specify that an action was performed without help.
Which one should you use?
The choice between forms depends on the grammatical function. Use nos for reflexive or indirect objects. Use nosotros mismos for the emphatic 'ourselves' to mean 'we did it by ourselves'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring exclusively to a group of females, the emphatic form changes to nosotras mismas.
How do you pronounce it?
/nos/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using nosotros alone when you intend to express the emphatic 'ourselves' (meaning 'by ourselves' or 'without help'). In these cases, you must use nosotros mismos.
Did you know?
- The word nosotros literally translates to 'us others', combining 'us' with the word for 'others'.
- The reflexive pronoun nos is used not only when we act upon ourselves, but also for 'reciprocal' actions, such as when we say 'we see each other'.
- In many Spanish dialects, you can omit the pronoun nosotros entirely in a sentence because the verb conjugation already tells the listener that 'we' are performing the action.
Examples in context
- Lo hicimos nosotros mismos.We did it ourselves.Tatoeba #1296952 by marcelostockle, translation #258059 by CK
- Nos vamos a comprar un coche.We're going to buy ourselves a car.This sentence demonstrates using nos as an indirect object.Tatoeba #6602264 by arh, translation #6599409 by CK
- Tom quiere que nos divirtamos.Tom wants us to enjoy ourselves.This sentence illustrates the use of nos as a reflexive pronoun.Tatoeba #2041620 by marcelostockle, translation #2014759 by CK
- Nosotros mismos podemos resolver el problemaWe ourselves can solve the problem.
- Las mujeres podemos hacerlo nosotras mismasWomen can do it ourselves.
- Tenemos el poder para hacerlo nosotras mismasWe have the power to do it ourselves.
- Podemos hacerlo nosotrosWe can do it ourselves.
- Las chicas podemos conseguirlo nosotrasGirls can get it ourselves.
- Nosotros mismos tenemos la solución.We ourselves have the solution.
- 67 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are talking about their weekend plans.
- JavierVamos a preparar la cena nos.We are going to prepare dinner ourselves.
- LucíaEso suena bien, Javier.That sounds good, Javier.
- JavierPodemos cocinar algo rico nos.We can cook something delicious ourselves.
- LucíaDe acuerdo, Lucía ayudará.Agreed, Lucía will help.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ourselves” translations and entries nos, nosotros, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nos, nosotros, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
