How to Learn Spanish Reflexive Verbs

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Recognize reflexive verbs.

   The infinitive form always ends in –se, the equivalent of get+adjective,  and become+adjective in English. to get tired= cansarse to become furious=enfurecerse
2. 2

   Step 2: Learn the reflexive verbs that are equivalent of get+certain prepositions in English.

   to get behind with=atrasarse con to get between=interponerse to get by=agenciarse to get down=agacharse to get in=meterse, introducirse to get near=acercarse to get out=salirse to get over it=recuperarse to get up=levantarse , These include:
   Despertarse
   - to wake up Bañarse
   - to bathe Ducharse
   - to shower Afeitarse
   - to shave Vestirse
   - to get dressed Peinarse
   - to comb (the hair) , Reflexive verb will either express an action we perform that will only reflect upon us, or an action that is exaggerated to a certain degree thus causing a slight change in the meaning of the verb it derives from.
   
   An action we perform that will only affect or benefit us; in other words, there is no direct object or indirect object receiving the action.
   
   Here are some examples:
   I wake up early=despertarse- yo me despierto temprano I stand up=pararse-Yo me paro cerca de la puerta I see myself as a…- verse-Yo me veo como… I wonder…-preguntarse-Yo me pregunto… I get bored easily.-aburrirse- Yo me aburro fácilmente. , I eat twenty oranges=comerse  veinte naranjas   I drink 10 glasses of water=tomarse diez vasos de agua I ordered a lot of food=pedirse una gran cantidad de comida , Here are some examples:
   Ponerse estresado= to become stressed volverse loco=to go insane ponerse triste=to become sad volverse egoista= to become selfish ponerse bravo=to become angry , Here are some examples:
   Ella se volvió una persona muy comprensiva. She became a very understanding person.
   
   Los niños se volvieron excelentes estudiantes.The children became excellent students.
   
   El señor Pérez se volvió un borracho insoportable.Mr.
   
   Perez became an obnoxious drunk. , Here are some examples:
   Ella era Católica y se volvió Budista.
   
   She was a Catholic and she became a Buddhist.· *La Soda se volvió un Restaurante.
   
   The small cafetería became a restaurant.
   
   He turned into a werewolf. Él se volvió un hombre lobo. ,  Here are some examples:
   Ella se hizo enfermera.
   
   She became a nurse.
   
   Juan se hizo farmacéutico.
   
   Juan became a pharmacist.
3. 3

   Step 3: Know common reflexive verbs for daily routine.

4. 4

   Step 4: Recognize that all Spanish verbs have a reflexive counterpart.

5. 5

   Step 5: An action that is exaggerated to a certain degree thus causing a slight change in the meaning of the verb it derives from.

6. 6

   Step 6: Identify that reflexive verbs formed by the use of the verb ponerse and volverse.The verb to become in English is also translated as ponerse and volverse

7. 7

   Step 7: and are always used with adjectives to imply a state of mind or a change in one’s physical appearance.

8. 8

   Step 8: Learn that the verb "volverse" may also be followed by a noun to indicate a consequence of an action that occurred in the past.

9. 9

   Step 9: Acknowledge that the verb volverse followed by a noun may also be used to express that someone or something has undergone a total transformation.

10. 10

    Step 10: Know that some reflexive verbs are followed by nouns to indicate that someone has become a professional in a certain area.

Detailed Guide

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