Question

I'm working on lesson 10 -- but I don't understand with reflexive verbs when you need to use the reflexive pronoun in front, and when you don't. For example - why is it "nos leventamos" but just volvemos?

Answer 1

This is a REALLY good site: http://www.studyspanish.com/lessons/reflexive1.htm

In short, reflexive pronouns are used when the action done is on that person.
Say for instance, I wash myself (Yo me lavo). It is reflexive because that action is done by me ON ME! Woah!

So what happens if the sentence instead was I washed the car (Yo lavo el coche)? Notice how you wouldn't use the reflexive pronoun because you aren't doing the washing on yourself anymore, instead you're washing the car (which is hopefully not you).

That's just the basics. It's a little confusing when add more people or say something that translates differently. Like how nosotros nos lavamos could be "we wash ourselves" or "we wash each other." It gets a little weird, but you'll know by context! :) Good luck in Spanish class!

Answer 2

Your specific question about "nos levantamos" and "volvemos" is about the verb. Some verbs won't support reflexive forms, like "volver". "Levantar" (to get up) also means "to rise", so the reflexive form helps specify what is risen, or in this case, who gets up. "Volver" ("go back" or "get back"), on the contrary, doesn't need details about what or who is going or getting back, it's just clear on the verb conjugation. For example, you can't "go back" someone else, right?

I know it's a little difficult at first, but it's all about the kind of verb you're trying to pass to reflexive form.

Answer 3

Thank you very much. That helps a lot. I need to keep practicing but that gets me going in the right direction. Thanks!