Brain Boost: Present, Modal, and Reflexive Verbs
Section 5: Spanish Present Progressive Tense
Brain Boost: Present, Present Progressive, Reflexive Verbs
Section 6: Spanish Present Perfect
Brain Boost: Present, Present Perfect, Present Progressive
Section 7: Spanish Preterite Tense
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Instruction: Spanish verbs that can become reflexive

In Spanish, many verbs can be used both reflexively and non-reflexively. When a verb becomes reflexive, it indicates that the action is being performed on the subject itself. When it is not reflexive, the action is being performed on someone or something else. Understanding how and when to use these verbs reflexively is important for accurately expressing various actions and states in Spanish.

Verbs That Can Become Reflexive

Here are some common Spanish verbs that can become reflexive, along with their meanings and examples of both reflexive and non-reflexive uses:

  1. Bañar vs. Bañarse

    • Bañar: to bathe (someone)
      • Example: La madre baña al bebé. (The mother bathes the baby.)
    • Bañarse: to bathe (oneself), to take a bath
      • Example: Yo me baño todas las noches. (I take a bath every night.)
  2. Llamar vs. Llamarse

    • Llamar: to call
      • Example: Ella llama a su amigo. (She calls her friend.)
    • Llamarse: to be called, to be named
      • Example: Yo me llamo María. (My name is/I call myself María.)
  3. Encontrar vs. Encontrarse

    • Encontrar: to find
      • Example: Ellos encuentran una solución. (They find a solution.)
    • Encontrarse: to meet, to feel
      • Example: Nosotros nos encontramos en el parque. (We meet in the park.)
      • Example: Me encuentro mal. (I feel unwell.)
  4. Perder vs. Perderse

    • Perder: to lose
      • Example: Ella pierde las llaves. (She loses the keys.)
    • Perderse: to get lost
      • Example: Nos perdemos en la ciudad. (We get lost in the city.)
  5. Quedar vs. Quedarse

    • Quedar: to remain, to be left
      • Example: Quedan tres manzanas. (Three apples are left.)
    • Quedarse: to stay
      • Example: Yo me quedo en casa. (I stay at home.)
  6. Hacer vs. Hacerse

    • Hacer: to do, to make
      • Example: Él hace la tarea. (He does the homework.)
    • Hacerse: to become
      • Example: Ella se hace doctora. (She becomes a doctor.)
  7. Volver vs. Volverse

    • Volver: to return
      • Example: Nosotros volvemos a casa. (We return home.)
    • Volverse: to become
      • Example: Él se vuelve loco. (He becomes crazy.)
  8. Poner vs. Ponerse

    • Poner: to put
      • Example: Él pone el libro en la mesa. (He puts the book on the table.)
    • Ponerse: to put on (clothing), to become
      • Example: Yo me pongo la chaqueta. (I put on the jacket.)
      • Example: Ella se pone triste. (She becomes sad.)

Conclusion

Understanding that some verbs can become reflexive and how their meanings change is helpful for mastering Spanish. By practicing these verbs and their reflexive forms, you will be able to express a wider range of actions and states accurately. Keep practicing, and enjoy your journey of learning Spanish!