An Overview of Reflexive/Pronominal Verbs:

Reflexive verbs have a pronoun as part of the infinitive and appear with the pronoun in the dictionary, e.g.: despertarse, acostarse. Reflexive verbs correspond to "do something to/with/for oneself" in English. When using reflexive verbs, the pronominal element must agree with the subject (i.e. refer to the same person) who receives, experiences or benefits from the action, e.g.: yo me lavo las manos, tú te bañas, nosotros nos sentimos bien. 

The reflexive pronouns are illustrated in the present tense in the following table, using the verb divertirse ("to have fun"; "amuse oneself"):

Common Reflexive/Pronominal Verbs

Be sure to familiarize yourself with common reflexive verbs, such as:

When talking about body parts in Spanish, use a reflexive verb rather than possessive pronouns as in English, e.g.:

• Me lavo las manos, NOT Lavo mis manos to say "I am washing my hands."
• Se pinta las uñas, NOT Pinta sus uñas to say "She paints her nails." 

Write yo recuerdo, but yo me acuerdo. Recordar ("to remind") is NOT a reflexive verb. 

Some common reflexive verbs can also be used non-reflexively as long as they appear with an object, usually another person, e.g.:

However, some verbs are ALWAYS reflexive and cannot be used without a reflexive pronoun, e.g.: arrepentirse, atreverse, darse cuenta de, ponerse de acuerdo, quejarse de.

Placement of Reflexive Pronouns

Reflexive pronouns are usually placed in front of the verb, e.g.: no me dormía. The pronouns are also attached to the end of the verb in the following conditions: infinitives, e.g.: Quiero dormirme (also correct to say Me quiero dormir); present progressive, e.g.: Estoy maquillándome (also correct to say Me estoy maquillando); and affirmative commands, e.g.: Levántate (pronouns MUST be attached to the end of affirmative commands).

Note that when the pronouns are attached to affirmative commands and the present progressive, you need to add an accent, e.g.: ¡Háblame!

Questions