Today we are going to learn about the Spanish Pronouns. In English, pronouns are words like I, me, we, us, they, them... which we use to avoid repeating a noun. Spanish pronouns are very much the same.
Like in English, depending on their functions in the sentence, Spanish has different types of pronouns. They show the relationship between the participants in the speech (i.e., who carries out the action, who receives it, and what it is about). The pronouns take different forms depending on their function.
Spanish pronouns chart
Here you have a chart with the Spanish personal pronouns. Click the links below to learn more about them; we have included their English equivalent.
- The subject of a verb: I, we, you, he, she, they;
- The direct object of a verb: me, us, you, him, her, them;
- The indirect object of a verb: (to/for) me, (to/for) us, (to/for) you, (to/for) him, (to/for) her; (to/for) them. Spanish has single words for these.
- The pronouns after a preposition: pronouns can change in different ways when used after a preposition, but this will be studied in detail in another lesson.
- The reflexive pronouns: myself, yourself, ourselves…
Differences between English and Spanish pronouns
There are differences in the way personal pronouns are used in English and Spanish:
- Subject pronouns are used far less often – you don’t need them to tell you who’s doing what because that information can be carried in the ending of the verb:
Do you speak Spanish? – ¿Hablas español?
- Nevertheless, reflexive pronouns are more used in Spanish than English, where possessives are used often instead of reflexive pronouns.
I wash my hands – Me lavo las manos.
- Object pronouns usually go before the verb, not after
Ana knows me – Ana me conoce.
Except in certain circumstances, like when they are used with an infinitive, a gerund, or an imperative affirmative.
I am going to buy it – Voy a comprarlo.
I am reading it – Estoy leyéndolo.
Give it to me – Dámelo.
Personal pronouns exercises
Now you can practice what you learned with the exercises below. You have more activities in every specific lesson about pronouns. Remember, you can contact your tutor with any question you have about Spanish personal pronouns. Don’t you have a personal tutor yet?
We have seen personal pronouns, but there are many more, like possessive pronouns, demonstrative pronouns...