Ask your own question, for FREE!
MIT 21F Spanish I - IV (OCW) 9 Online
OpenStudy (anonymous):

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?

OpenStudy (stephstar101):

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!

OpenStudy (anonymous):

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.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

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

Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!
Latest Questions
laylasnii13: Can i dm anybody to vent having a rough time ??
10 hours ago 1 Reply 0 Medals
kaelynw: starting to draw a hand
1 hour ago 16 Replies 2 Medals
Twaylor: Rate it :D (Took 2 days)
10 hours ago 7 Replies 0 Medals
XShawtyX: Art, Short Writing Assignment: Imagining Landscapes
10 hours ago 4 Replies 1 Medal
XShawtyX: Chemistry, Help ud83dude4fud83cudffe
1 day ago 13 Replies 1 Medal
kaelynw: tried a lil smt, the arm is off but i like the other stuff
1 day ago 27 Replies 3 Medals
kaelynw: art igg
1 day ago 14 Replies 1 Medal
Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!