"ella se esta estirando"

Question

I believe I grasp this phrase ("she is stretching") but I do not know the meaning of "se" in the phrase, or from what root word it is derived

Answer 1

You can also say "Ella está estirándose," which might make it easier to grasp the idea that she is stretching (herself).

Note: She is combing her hair ..... Está peinándose

Answer 2

The "se" is there because the infinitive is "estirarse" [to stretch (onself)]

When you have a reflexive verb the reflexive pronoun goes before the (1.) conjugated verb or (2.) on the end of a participle in the progressive tense (3.) on the end of an infinitive.

1.) "Se está estirando" She is stretching (herself)

2)." Está estirándose" Same as above

3.) Va a estirarse (or Se va a estirar like ex. 1) She is going to stretch (herself)

Answer 3

It must be the reflexive verb "estirarse". The subject and the object are one.

Ella se está estirando