Indirect object pronouns
Sometimes, I get confused on when to use indirect or direct objects. I 'm only a senior in highschool and I 'm in the Spanish IV class but I get confused in English as well with what is considered a direct object or indirect object......So are there certain verbs that are an understood "le"? Besides decir I mean...I know that an example would be "le dije" I told him...but I thought it would be "la" or "lo" because there's no direct object, assuming that "le" is the indirect object.... ayudame?
3 Answers
Hola, Salazar!
I hope I can help explain this to you.
Let's keep in mind two basic ideas: 1) The direct object answers "who" or "what"? 2) the indirect object tells you "to whom" or "for whom" something is done.
Examples in English with Spanish translations:
I see her. (I see "who or what?" her) La veo.
She writes a letter to him. (She writes "who a what?" a letter. "To whom or for whom" does she write this letter? him) Le escribe una carta.
They give her money. (They give "who or what?" money. "To whom or for whom" do they give this money? her). Le dan dinero.
She bought them a car. (She bought "who or what?" a car. "To whom or for whom did she buy this car? them) Les compró un coche.
I am hopeful that his has helped. Keep in mind that occasionally you have a tricky sentence, such as: "I will write her". In verbs of communication (writing, talking, speaking, answering) the direct object is often understood. Thus, in the sentence "I will write her", the direct object is understood - a letter, a note, etc. The correct Spanish is "Le escribiré". Likewise: "They tell them" (understood direct object is some sort of message or answer) - "Les dicen".
If this remains unclear, you can send me a PM and I can try to clarify for you.
HI Salazar, have a look at our reference section on pronouns.
Hi Salazar...please don't forget to use proper capitalization and punctuation in your posts.
You can use the "edit" button to edit your text.
