Instruction: Spanish verbs that change meaning as reflexive verbs

In Spanish, some verbs change their meaning when they are used reflexively. This means that the action of the verb, when performed on oneself, differs significantly from when the verb is used in its non-reflexive form. Understanding these differences is helpful to avoid misunderstandings in Spanish, as it can greatly affect the meaning of your sentences.

Common Verbs That Change Meaning in the Reflexive Form

Here are some common Spanish verbs that change meaning when used reflexively:

1. Acordar vs. Acordarse

   • Acordar: to agree
   • Example: Ellos acordaron reunirse mañana. (They agreed to meet tomorrow.)
   • Acordarse: to remember
   • Example: Yo me acuerdo de ti. (I remember you.)

2. Comer vs. Comerse

   • Comer: to eat
   • Example: Nosotros comemos pizza. (We eat pizza.)
   • Comerse: to eat up/devour
   • Example: Ellos se comieron toda la pizza. (They devoured the whole pizza.)

3. Dormir vs. Dormirse

   • Dormir: to sleep
   • Example: Yo duermo ocho horas cada noche. (I sleep eight hours every night.)
   • Dormirse: to fall asleep
   • Example: Ella se durmió en clase. (She fell asleep in class.)

4. Ir vs. Irse

   • Ir: to go
   • Example: Nosotros vamos al parque. (We are going to the park.)
   • Irse: to leave/go away
   • Example: Ellos se van de la fiesta. (They are leaving the party.)

5. Llevar vs. Llevarse

   • Llevar: to carry, to wear
   • Example: Ella lleva una chaqueta. (She is wearing a jacket.)
   • Llevarse: to take away, to get along
   • Example: Nos llevamos bien. (We get along well.)

6. Parecer vs. Parecerse

   • Parecer: to seem
   • Example: Esto parece interesante. (This seems interesting.)
   • Parecerse: to look like
   • Example: Tú te pareces a tu hermano. (You look like your brother.)

7. Poner vs. Ponerse

   • Poner: to put
   • Example: Él pone la mesa. (He sets the table.)
   • Ponerse: to put on (clothing), to become
   • Example: Yo me pongo la chaqueta. (I put on the jacket.)
   • Example: Ella se puso nerviosa. (She became nervous.)

8. Volver vs. Volverse

   • Volver: to return
   • Example: Nosotros volvemos a casa. (We return home.)
   • Volverse: to become
   • Example: Él se volvió loco. (He became crazy.)

Conclusion

Understanding reflexive verbs that change meaning is important to avoid misunderstandings. By learning these verbs and their reflexive forms, you will be able to express a wider range of actions and emotions accurately. Keep practicing, and enjoy your journey of learning Spanish!