I'm having a hard time understanding indirect object pronouns.

Question

Can someone breach the ice clogging my brain?

Answer 1

Oh, you make me laugh!

I'm sure that there is a link here somewhere, but I will do it the old fashioned way...!

Very simple: indirect objects tell you "to whom" or "for whom" something is done.

Many times there is also a direct object in the sentence; direct objects tell you "who" or "what".

Examples; I buy it. (direct object) - Lo compro. I buy it for you (direct and indirect) - Te lo compro.

Many times the direct object is not expressed. For example: I talk to her - Le hablo.

On your earlier question regarding the peluquería, the direct object was understood - I recommend (it) to you-all - Les recomiendo.

I'm not familiar with the grammatical lessons on this site, but they are apparently excellent, so quite probably you can get extra practice here.

Buena suerte!

I'm so glad you didn't cop out on just giving a link. I learned more from your response than I did in school! - icanrideawave, Jan 21, 2010

Answer 2

Another use (which Heidita's set does not cover) is what the Spanish call "el dativo de beneficio" and, according to a recent post, German has a very similar terminology for the same construction. Thus, given "Se me apagó la radio.", One can reasonably ask, "Ok, 'se apagó la rado' means "the radio stopped working" but what does one do with the "me"?

The "me" is what we/they/some people call the "dative of benefit" and refers to the person/people affected (whether to their benefit or deficit) by whatever happened..

I love languages that can express this feeling! English is pretty bad at it, but Japanese has a similar construction called indirect passive (though usually it's got a negative connotation). I love the extra feeling that can be added with just a new word! - Luciente, Jan 21, 2010

Answer 3

Try reading this and then try some of the practice links at the bottom.

Answer 4

HI queen, try some flashcard sets. this one was created by me