Reflexive verbs

Question 1

when is a verb considered reflexive

Answer 1

when it is used with an object pronoun (me,te, se, nos,os,se) of the same person as the subject of the verb

Question 2

verbs that are always used reflexively

Answer 2

arrepentirse de = to repent, to be sorry

atreverse a = to dare

jactarse de = to boast

quejarse de = to complain

Question 3

transitive verbs used reflexivly

Answer 3

if the subject performs tha act on someone else the reflexive pronoun isn’t used

if the subject is the person affected, the reflexive pronoun is used

eg) acostar = to be put in bed

acostarse = to go to bed

Question 4

transitive verbs when no other direct object is expressed

Answer 4

often requires the reflexive pronoun

eg) Para hacer esa salsa, debe Ud. derretir la mantequilla primero. = TO make the sauce you should melt the butter first
eg) Hacía mucho calor y el helado se derritió = it was very hot and the ice cream melted

Question 5

comer vs comerse

Answer 5

comer = to eat
comerse = to eat up

Question 6

dormir vs dormirse

Answer 6

dormir = to sleep
dormirse = to fall asleep

Question 7

ir vs irse

Answer 7

ir = to go
irse = to go away, go off

Question 8

llevar vs llevarse

Answer 8

llevar = to carry
llevarse = to carry off

Question 9

morir vs morirse

Answer 9

morir = death that occurs in an accident or under violent circumstances

morirse = to die of natural causes, to be dying

both can be used figuratively usually morirse with human subjects

Question 10

when referring to certain actions

Answer 10

many verbs are used reflexively when referring to actions that involve a part of the body or an article of clothing

eg) Al quitarse las botas, enrique se lastimó el tobillo izquierdo = On removing his boots, Enrique hurt his left ankle

Question 11

many verbs aquire a causative meaning

Answer 11

eg) cortarse el pelo = to have one’s hair cut

eg) retratarse = to have one’s picture taken