Is "escuchar" a reflexive verb?

Question

Do you say, "te escucho" or "escucho a ti"? I'm trying to say,"I listen to you"

Also, if I'm trying to use the progressive tense, is it, "estoy escuchando a ti" or "te estoy escuchando"? "I'm listening to you"

I'm kinda confused here. Do we have to know reflexive verbs by heart or are there a list of them?

Answer 1

This is not a reflexive verb being used in a reflexive manner.

Remember that reflexive verbs are actions that affect the do-er, the action reflects upon the performer of the action.

Rather, the te is a direct object, since we are listening to someone else the verb is not reflexive.

Te escucho [a ti]= I listen to you. The sentence sounds weird if the D/O pronoun is not included, and the a ti is added for emphasis, but is optional.

Te estoy escuchando [a ti]= I am listening to you. Notice the D/O pronoun (te). Again, the "a ti" is optional and can be included for emphasis. You can also write the sentence like this "Estoy escuchándote [a ti]

I often get confused by D/O and ID/O pronouns. Given that, I think the "te" in these cases are ID/O. I am doing something to you or for you. ????? - gringojrf, Jul 29, 2013

Hi, is the tilde a typo in escuchándote? If not, why is it there? Thank you very much. - 0095ca4c, Jul 29, 2013

The stress on "escuchando" is on the "a". When you attach a pronoun, you add the tilde to maintain the stress on the "a". Otherwise, the stress would fall on the "o". - Tosh, Jul 29, 2013

Otro ejemplo... escribiendo... escribiéndote... escribiéndotelo - Tosh, Jul 29, 2013

Therefore, we are listening to someone directly. Ejemplo: Escucho música. Musica is the D/O. in my opinoin, the 'te' functions in a similar way. - BradyLabuda, Jul 29, 2013

Keep in mind that 'escuchar' means 'to listen to' - BradyLabuda, Jul 29, 2013

Answer 2

I don't know about reflexive verbs, but I do know that I can say:

Me escucho (a mí)

(You shouldn't have to "memorize" or make lists)

I am still waiting...

Yes. But do you do what you tell yourself to do? I usually don't. - gringojrf, Jul 29, 2013