Brain Boost: Present, Modal, and Reflexive Verbs
Section 5: Spanish Present Progressive Tense
Brain Boost: Present Progressive, Present, 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 Present Progressive – Reflexive

Reflexive verbs in Spanish indicate that the subject performs an action on itself. These verbs are accompanied by reflexive pronouns that match the subject. When using reflexive verbs in the present progressive tense, the reflexive pronoun must be placed correctly in relation to the conjugated verb “estar” and the gerund. Also, remember that “present progressive” is used to describe actions that are happening “right now.”

Forming the Present Progressive with Reflexive Verbs

To form the present progressive tense with reflexive verbs, follow these steps:

  1. Conjugate “estar” in the present tense to match the subject.
  2. Add the reflexive pronoun that corresponds to the subject.
  3. Add the gerund (gerundio) of the reflexive verb, ensuring the reflexive pronoun is placed correctly.
Where Does the Reflexive Pronoun Go?

The reflexive pronoun can be placed either before the conjugated form of “estar” or attached to the end of the gerund. Both placements are grammatically correct, though placing the pronoun before “estar” is more common in spoken Spanish.

Let’s Review the Reflexive Pronouns

Singular

Plural

First Person

me (myself)

nos (ourselves)

Second Person

(yourself - Juana/Pedro)

os (yourself informal – used mainly in Spain)

Third Person

se (himself)

se (herself)

se (yourself Sra./Sr. García)

se (they masculine/mixed)

se (they feminine)

se (you all)

Examples of Reflexive Verbs in the Present Progressive

Here are some common reflexive verbs and examples of their use in the present progressive tense. Notice that you have to add an accent to the verb if you add the reflexive pronoun to the end of the gerund.

Levantarse (to get oneself up)

Yo

me estoy levantando

estoy levantándome

I am getting up (right now)

Nosotros

nos estamos levantando

estamos levantándonos

We are getting up (right now)

(Juana, Juan)

te estás levantando

estás levantándote

You are getting up (right now)

Vosotros

(informal Spain)

os estáis levantando

estáis levantándoos

You are getting up (right now)

Él/Ella/Ud.

(Sra./Dr. García)

se está levantando

está levantándose

You are getting up (right now)

Ellos/Ellas/Uds.

se están levantando

están levantándose

You are getting up (right now)

Ponerse (to put on)

Yo

me estoy poniendo

estoy poniéndome

I am putting on (right now)

Nosotros

nos estamos poniendo

estamos poniéndonos

We are putting on (right now)

(Juana, Juan)

te estás poniendo

estás poniéndote

You are putting on (right now)

Vosotros

(informal Spain)

os estáis poniendo

estáis poniéndoos

You are putting on (right now)

Él/Ella/Ud.

(Sra./Dr. García)

se está poniendo

está poniéndose

You are putting on (right now)

Ellos/Ellas/Uds.

se están poniendo

están poniéndose

You are putting on (right now)

Sentirse (to feel)  Note: this is an irregular stem-changing verb

Yo

me estoy sintiendo

estoy sintiéndome

I am feeling (right now)

Nosotros

nos estamos sintiendo

estamos sintiéndonos

We are feeling (right now)

(Juana, Juan)

te estás sintiendo

estás sintiéndote

You are feeling (right now)

Vosotros

(informal Spain)

os estáis sintiendo

estáis sintiéndoos

You are feeling (right now)

Él/Ella/Ud.

(Sra./Dr. García)

se está sintiendo

está sintiéndose

You are feeling (right now)

Ellos/Ellas/Uds.

se están sintiendo

están sintiéndose

You are feeling (right now)

Conclusion

Using reflexive verbs in the present progressive tense allows you to describe actions that you are performing on yourself (or others on themselves) in real-time. By practicing these forms, you’ll enhance your ability to express ongoing actions in Spanish. Keep practicing, and enjoy your journey of learning Spanish!