Reciprocal Verbs Flashcards
In Capítulo 6 you learned to use reflexive pronouns when the subject of the sentence does something to himself or herself.
Ellos se miran en el espejo.
They look at themselves in the mirror.
In English, the expressions each other and one another express reciprocal actions. Use plural reflexives to express a reciprocal action in Spanish.
Ellos se miran con amor.
They look at each other with love.
Only the plural forms (nos, os, and se) are used to express a reciprocal action because the action must involve more than one person.
Los novios se besaron.
The bride and groom kissed each other.
Mi amiga y yo nos escribimos.
My friend and I write to each other.
It is usually evident from the context whether the verb is reflexive or reciprocal. If clarification is needed, el uno al otro can be used. The expression must agree with the subjects; however, if there are mixed sexes, the masculine form is used for both.
Se lavaron el pelo el uno al otro.
They washed each other’s hair.
Nos peinamos la una a la otra.
We did each other’s hair.
Todos se respetan los unos a los otros.
They all respect each other.
When used in the infinitive form after another verb, the pronoun can be attached to the verb or placed in front of the conjugated verb.
Nos vamos a amar para siempre.
We will love each other forever.
Quieren comprenderse.
They want to understand each other.
