Confusing between indirect, direct and the occasional reflexive pronoun

Question

I couldn't see a previous post concerning a similar example to mine.

I get quite confused as to whether I should be using 'lo/la' or 'le' (also same for 'los/las' and 'les')

I understand that you translate: - 'le and les' as 'to him/her and to them' ('to' or 'for) = indirect pronouns - 'lo/la/ and los/las' as 'him/her and them' = direct pronouns

I understand that with the personal 'a' you still use the direct pronouns as it doesn't mean 'to/for' (e.g. Veo a la profesora / La veo = I see the teacher)

However, when it comes to indirect pronouns it gets a bit more confusing as 'to/for' sometimes isn't obvious (or stated) in English (e.g. Les das un libro = You give them the book). I've been told to 'mentally' imagine the 'to/for them' in my head or think of the verb and if it is transitive or intransitive. However, it's much more easier to process this when reading/writing than speaking/listening as there's more time to think this through.

This situation is further confuses me when the 'se' pronoun is used to avoid the alliteration cluster (e.g. Dálelo --> Dáselo = Give him it/Give it to him) because as soon as I hear the 'se' I immediately think of reflexives and this confuses me.

I'm not sure whether it's the way I've been taught but it really is an issue for me especially when trying to understand native speakers.

Are there any tips/hints to getting around the above mentioned issues? I would really appreciate knowing them as I hate having to think, distinguish and select between these pronouns.

Best, Dylan

Welcome to SpanishDict. - rac1, Nov 21, 2016

Answer 1

It seems you understand the concepts very well. There is no "getting around" them. You just have to deal with them. If you can just listen to news broadcasts or watch "soap operas" go the Spanish speaking movies and the like. It will become gradually easier for you to understand what is going on.

Here is a link to an article I wrote on the subject. It's called "An out of the box approach to direct and indirect object pronouns.

It seemed to clear up the mud for a lot of people.

out of the box

I agree, the best way is just to get used to how things are phrased, learn small phrases/clauses rather than single words and get used to how the objects are used with a given verb. :) - bosquederoble, Nov 21, 2016

Hi Daniela, thank you for linking your brilliant explanatory post. It does help me more understanding the concept - dylanh095, Dec 24, 2016