verbo reflexivo
/beɾbo ɾefleɡsibo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "reflexive verb" is translated into Spanish as verbo reflexivo.
A verbo reflexivo is a verb used to indicate that the person performing the action is also the recipient of that action.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a direct cognate of the English phrase. verbo means verb and reflexivo means reflexive.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, these verbs are used in conjunction with reflexive pronouns such as me, te, se, nos and os.
How do you pronounce it?
/beɾbo ɾefleɡsibo/
Did you know?
- Spanish uses 'reflexive' constructions to express certain types of accidental events, such as se me cayó el libro ('the book fell from me'), which removes personal blame from the speaker.
- Some verbs in Spanish are 'inherently reflexive', meaning they only exist in the reflexivo form. For example, quejarse ('to complain') cannot be used without the reflexive pronoun.
- In Spanish, some verbs change meaning entirely when they become reflexive, such as ir (to go) versus irse (to leave/depart).
Examples in context
- Usted se lava las manosYou wash your hands
- ¿Cómo se encuentra hoy?How are you feeling today?
- lavarseTo wash oneself
- Este es un verbo reflexivo.This is a reflexive verb.
- No entiendo cómo funciona este verbo reflexivo.I don't understand how this reflexive verb works.
- Necesito aprender cada verbo reflexivo nuevo.I need to learn every new reflexive verb.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are studying Spanish grammar together.
- LucíaNo entiendo cómo usar este verbo reflexivo.I don't understand how to use this reflexive verb.
- MateoYo te ayudo, Lucía, es muy sencillo.I will help you, Lucía, it is very simple.
- LucíaGracias, Mateo, ¿cuál es la regla principal?Thanks, Mateo, what is the main rule?
- MateoEl verbo reflexivo necesita un pronombre.The reflexive verb needs a pronoun.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
