Direct Object versus Indirect Object

Question

After reading countless threads and looking at many sentences, I am still confused on this topic. The wiki here says that the direct object answers what or whom the action of the verb applies to, but can't that definition apply to the indirect object in a way, too? For example:

I speak to him; he is receiving the action of the verb, no?

I look for her; doesn't the preposition "for" automatically make this indirect object for people? Buscarle instead of buscarla?

Perhaps I'm taking the information to literally, but it would be amazing if somebody could clear this up and/or provide me an in-depth resource on this topic.

Saludos

You can't compare Spanish grammar (structure) with English. It's different a lot of times. - Daniela2041, Sep 19, 2016

Twenty one hours and you haven't been back yet to see and comment on the answers, and maybe say "Thank you," ¡Ay! - Daniela2041, Sep 19, 2016

Answer 1

There are some words in both languages that require prepositions, and some that don't. If they require a preposition they do not necessarily fall into the schematic.

Look is intransitive- it takes no direct object. You cannot look something. You can look at something, in something , with something, to something, for something... But you cannot look something (in the sense of seeing something). Although you can look good, or look happy, or whatever.

Seek is transitive and can take a direct object- that which you seek.

I seek her. La busco. Buscar also is transitive and works like seek. So direct objects here.

Hablar is usually used intransitively, but occasionally is transitive. So is speak. When used transitively it is most commonly with a language- although not always. It is never the person to or with whom you speak.

Hablo español con Juan. I speak Spanish with Juan. Lo hablo con Juan. I speak it with Juan.

I know this doesn't help with all the other verbs, I don't know any general rules, I think you just have to learn how the individual verbs are used, transitively or intransitively and with which specific preposition or prepositions. And how that changes the meaning.

Answer 2

Please check out my thread "An Out of the Box approach to direct and indirect objects. I can guarantee that you have never seen this explanation before. It should be on the top or near the top if the Q&A's.

Regarding "for" in "look for," it's contained within the verb "buscar" you don't need to add a "for. There are other verbs like this---"Mirar" for example. "to look at" you don't have to add "at." It's contained within the verb.

Here's a link if you can't find it.

Link to "Out of the Box Approach to Direct and Indirect Object Pronouns

This was great! Thank you Daniela. - olympiad42, Sep 26, 2016

Answer 3

Here's more on "buscar' and "mirar"

I'm looking for my book. Busco mi libro. ---I'm looking for it. "Lo busco"

I'm looking at the painting. Miro la pintura. ---I'm looking at it. La miro.

One more:

"I speak to her" is "le hablo" (a ella) "Her" is not receiving the direct action of the verb. The unspoken direct object is "words" In realidad you say something "to" her or him.

Even in English it's an indirect object. "to her or him"