reflexive pronuns

Question

When do we use reflexive pronun ? And what are the difference between "se queda" "el queda" "ella se come una manzana" "ella come una manzana" "ella se parece a su madre" "ella parece a su madre"

Look under the "Menu" tab at the top, left of the page. We have free lessons in English and Spanish as well as a lot of other resources that will help you. Glad to have you aboard. :) - rac1, Sep 22, 2017

Answer 1

Here is a link to a Flash card set on this site showing some verbs which change their meaning with the addition of se.

Flash card set

Thanks, Pat. :) - rac1, Sep 22, 2017

Answer 2

This is a very difficult question because, in Spanish, the verb "to be" has two meanings, like being honest, tall, fat, red, green, it's a state. The other is more like "staying" in this moment, like being sick, hungry, bored ... When you say "ella se queda" it can be as if she stays,"ella se queda en casa esta noche" "she stays home tonight" or also as "she takes everything" "ella se queda con todo". The use of "ella queda" is not usual, but can be used to say "ella queda fuera del grupo", "she is outside the group" is used when two people are talking about a third person, but in this case can also use "ella se queda fuera del grupo" In any case "ella parece a su madre" is not correct, "ella se parece a su madre" o "ella parece su madre" but in the last case is more concerned with her attitude.

Answer 3

Unfortunately for you, there is no easy answer here, because the reflexive pronouns are used for totally different reasons in all your examples:

• "se queda" = he/she/it stays

• "él queda" = [incomplete sentence; you better drop that 'él']

• "ella se come una manzana" = she eats up an apple [you better drop that 'ella]

• "ella come una manzana" = she eats an apple [this version sounds a bit strange; also, drop that 'ella']

• "ella se parece a su madre" = she looks like her mother [drop that 'ella']

• "ella parece a su madre" = [wrong grammar]

In the first case, this 'se' is not very common, but basically, it has to be used with that verb for no apparent reason. The 2nd 'se' is only used with a few verbs of consumption, like "drink", "eat", etc. to indicate that everything is consumed (similar to eat UP, drink UP...)

¡qué alegría verte! - 006595c6, Sep 22, 2017

Answer 4

The only one that is not possible is Ella parece a su madre.

Ella se come or ella come is almost the same.

Ella queda is possible.

Ella se queda is possible.

You have to study the pronominal or reflexive verbs. There are thousands.