Instruction: Spanish Present Perfect – Reflexive

Review the regular present perfect endings and the irregular present perfect endings (past participles).

Examples:

• Levantarse (to get up)
• (*Yo) me he levantado. (I have gotten up.)
• Lavarse (to wash oneself)
• (*Tú) te has lavado las manos. (You have washed your hands.)
• Vestirse (to get dressed)
• (*Ella) se ha vestido para la fiesta. (She has gotten dressed for the party.)

Examples of Reflexive Verbs in the Present Perfect

Here are examples of how reflexive verbs are used in the present perfect tense:

1. Levantarse (to get up)

• Yo me he levantado temprano. (I have gotten up early.)
• Nosotros nos hemos levantado tarde. (We have gotten up late.)

2. Lavarse (to wash oneself)

• Tú te has lavado la cara. (You have washed your face.)
• Ellos se han lavado las manos antes de comer. (They have washed their hands before eating.)

3. Vestirse (to get dressed)

• Ella se ha vestido muy elegante. (She has dressed very elegantly.)
• Vosotros os habéis vestido para la fiesta. (You all have dressed for the party – informal, used mainly in Spain.)

4. Acostarse (to go to bed)

• Yo me he acostado tarde esta noche. (I have gone to bed late tonight.)
• Ellos se han acostado temprano. (They have gone to bed early.)

5. Peinarse (to comb one’s hair)

• Ella se ha peinado esta mañana. (She has combed her hair this morning.)
• Nosotros nos hemos peinado antes de salir. (We have combed our hair before going out.)

6. Sentirse (to feel)

• Yo me he sentido cansado todo el día. (I have felt tired all day.)
• Ellos se han sentido mejor después del descanso. (They have felt better after the rest.)

Usage of the Present Perfect with Reflexive Verbs

The present perfect tense with reflexive verbs is commonly used to describe:

1. Daily routines or habits that are relevant to the present:

   • Me he levantado temprano esta semana. (I have gotten up early this week.)

2. Actions completed recently:

   • Nos hemos vestido para salir. (We have gotten dressed to go out.)

3. Physical or emotional states:

   • Me he sentido muy feliz últimamente. (I have felt very happy lately.)

Conclusion

Using reflexive verbs in the present perfect tense allows you to describe past actions that are relevant to the present, particularly those related to personal routines, self-care, and emotions. Remember that the subject pronouns (yo, tú, él, etc.) are optional in Spanish because the verb conjugation and reflexive pronoun often clarify the subject. By practicing these forms, you will enhance your ability to communicate effectively about your own experiences and daily activities. Keep practicing, and continue building your Spanish proficiency!