reflexive verbs usage and background
how do you know when to use reflexive verbs and what type of reflexive verbs to use? Do they have different endings also?
2 Answers
Do they have different endings also
They would conjugate the same as if the verb was being used non-reflexively.
To be a reflexive verb means that the verb is accompanied by a reflexive pronoun that refers to the subject. If you look them up in the dictionary the verb will be shown with a reflexive pronoun se attached to the verb infinitive. e.g. Lavarse or ponerse. Caution, however, because having the se attached to the infinitive just means that the verb is being used pronominally and may not be being used reflexively. All reflexive verbs are pronominal, but not all verbs being used pronominally are reflexive.
Reflexive verbs are the verbs that reflect back on the speaker.
So, simply, if I put a dress on myself, that would be reflexive (Me ponga el vestido azul.)
If, however, I put the dress on my daughter, then the verb is not reflexive, since I am doing the action to another person. (Pongo el vestido en mi hija.)
Another example: Me lavo la cara. I wash my face. Lavo la cara de mi hija. I wash my daughter's face.
Hope that helps.
