Instruction: Reflexive verbs with modal verbs

Combining reflexive verbs with modal verbs in Spanish allows you to express actions that one needs, wants, or is able to do to oneself. Modal verbs such as “querer” (to want), “necesitar” (to need), “poder” (to be able to), “deber” (should/must), and “tener que” (to have to) are commonly used with reflexive verbs to indicate desire, necessity, ability, obligation, or preference.

Structure of Reflexive Verbs with Modal Verbs

When using a reflexive verb with a modal verb, you need to conjugate the modal verb according to the subject and use the infinitive form of the reflexive verb. The reflexive pronoun can either precede the conjugated modal verb or be attached to the end of the infinitive. (The subject pronouns – yo, tú, ella, etc. are optional and will be put in parenthesis.)

Structure (both options are correct):

1. Reflexive pronoun + conjugated modal verb + infinitive reflexive verb
2. Conjugated modal verb + infinitive reflexive verb + reflexive pronoun

Examples

Here are examples of how reflexive verbs work with modal verbs in sentences:

1. Querer (to want)

• (Yo) me quiero levantar temprano. (I want to get up early.)
• (Yo) quiero levantarme temprano. (I want to get up early.)

2. Necesitar (to need)

• (Tú) te necesitas lavar las manos. (You need to wash your hands.)
• (Tú) necesitas lavarte las manos. (You need to wash your hands.)

3. Poder (to be able to)

• (Ella) se puede vestir solo. (She can dress herself.)
• (Ella) puede vestirse solo. (She can dress herself.)

4. Deber (should/must)

• (Nosotros) nos debemos acostar temprano. (We should go to bed early.)
• (Nosotros) debemos acostarnos temprano. (We should go to bed early.)

5. Tener que (to have to)

   • (Ellos) se tienen que duchar después de hacer ejercicio. (They have to shower after exercising.)
   • (Ellos) tienen que ducharse después de hacer ejercicio. (They have to shower after exercising.)

Conclusion

Using reflexive verbs with modal verbs is very helpful for expressing actions that one needs, wants, or is able to do to oneself. By mastering this structure, you will enhance your ability to communicate more complex ideas in Spanish. Keep practicing, and enjoy your journey of learning Spanish!