Direct/indirect objects

Question

Have completed all lessons in SpanishDict.com and so far the most difficult for me is direct/indirect objects. Is there a key to learning this or does time make it easier to pick it up. Anyone else have this trouble. It may be a common thing. Not sure.

i cant understand it either lol - hughjones, Aug 1, 2011

Yep, that direct object stuff gives me soooo much trouble. I guess you are supposed to think of the person and object first? Is that the key. I am trying to think backwards. When does it click? ___________________ - OVNI, Aug 1, 2011

Answer 1

I do understand what direct objects and indirect objects are. and all the indirect and direct object pronouns. It is just coming up quick enough in conversation to respond by thinking "backwards". She gave it to them: Ella se lo da. (el libro) por ejemplo.

Speed comes with practice. - lorenzo9, Aug 1, 2011

Promise me it's true, Lorenzo! - territurtle, Aug 1, 2011

Oh, that, yeah you get used to it after awhile. Using SE as an indirect object (when it's really LE but is followed by LO or LA), I still have problems saying that quickly...not that I do any of it very quickly. - webdunce, Aug 1, 2011

Answer 2

I don't know but if you ever find out then please tell me. I've been learning Spanish for 7 years but I wouldn't know an indirect object if it fell on my head. But then ... my mind doesn't work with grammar jargon; I find learning by example works best for me.

Se lo doy = To him ..... it ..... I give (I give it to him)

Yeah - I know that the literal translation sounds wierd but it works for me

Answer 3

Do you mean you don't understand what direct and indirect objects are in general? Or do you mean you have trouble recognizing them in Spanish sentences? Or is there some other confusion?

Yes, this can be quite a hairy subject.

Do you maybe have some sample sentences that would show what is causing you problems?

Answer 4

If there is a simple key to this, I haven't found it. I've seen seasoned members and native speakers on this forum discuss direct/indirect object pronouns since I became a member. Even then, there is often disagreement on the use and meaning, mostly due to a lack of context in the question.

Here's what I recommend. Watch the video over and over until you can see the point Paralee is trying to make. Then review the reference section for direct/indirect object pronouns. When you think you have an idea about what is happening, try reading a book written in Spanish that contains dialogue (I used the Bible, Reina Valera, 2000 - it contains many uses of direct/indirect object pronouns).

Finally, rehearse what you've learned with a native speaker or advanced member on Skype. Or, better yet, with a friend who speaks Spanish well.

That's the best I can offer. You are not the only ship sailing this sea.