Descansaron

Question

I tried to use "descansar" in a reflexive manner today on a test, and I got it wrong. "Los mochileros SE descansaron dentro de la tienda de acampar."

I would think it's a reflexive verb, but apparently not. Is there a reason for that, or is it just one of those things?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Not all verbs indicating an action that a person does are necesarily expressed in Spanish using pronominal verbs with reflexive endings!

Update with amendment:

In Spain they refer to them as pronominal verbs with reflexive endings but I have just learnt from Daniela s few hours ago that in college textbooks they call them 'reflexive' verbs.

You can tell if the action is reflexive because it has the se ending and means that it is an action that the subject (only) does to himself/herself!

Verbs not having reflexive endings:

comer = to eat

beber = to drink

hablar = to speak

descansar = to rest

dormir = to sleep (although dormirse = to fall asleep, also to go to sleep has reflexive endings!)

Verbs with reflexive endings: (please note the reflexive se ending! )

despertarse = to wake up oneself

afeitarse = to shave oneself

levantarse = to get (oneself) up

divertirse = to enjoy oneself

I hope this helps

Corrijan mi español si enecesario, por favor

Good ol' Lazarus. I wonder what his big brain is doing now. A true linguist genius. - Jubilado, May 25, 2015

Yes, I agree, Jubilado ...I miss his regular input here :( - FELIZ77, May 25, 2015

There is a "dormirse" It means "to FALL asleep" or GO to sleep. - Daniela2041, May 26, 2015

BTW in college textbooks these "pronomial" as they are called in Spain are called "reflexive" verbs here. There are two whole lessons devoted to these verbs in my textbook. - Daniela2041, May 26, 2015

Ah , Thank you, Daniela now I can see how the confusion arose ;) - FELIZ77, May 26, 2015

Daniela, I have adjusted/amended my post to take into account what you have recently told me. - FELIZ77, May 26, 2015

Answer 2

You'll know it now!

Dormir is not reflexive either if that helps.

It's just one of those things.