Explanation
Just like subject pronouns replace the subject noun in a sentence, direct object pronouns replace the direct object noun in a sentence, which can be a person, thing, noun phrase, or nominalized clause.
What Are the Direct Object Pronouns in Spanish?
The table below shows the different forms direct objects can take in Spanish.
| Subject | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| First person | me(me) | nos(us) |
| Second person | te(informal you) | os(informal you) |
| Third person | lo, la(it, him, her, formal you) | los, las(them, formal you) |
Direct Object Pronouns at Work
Let's take a look at how direct object pronouns can do the work of direct objects in Spanish sentences.
Direct Object Pronouns and People
A direct object pronoun can take the place of a direct object referring to a person. In the first sentence below, the direct object is mi mamá. It can be replaced by the direct object pronoun la, as shown in the second example.
Direct Object Pronouns and Things
In the first sentence below, la pelota receives the action of tiró, and thus is the direct object of the sentence. It is singular, feminine, and a thing, so it is in the third person. Therefore, you can replace it with the direct object pronoun la, as shown in the second example.
Direct Objects and Phrases
In the first sentence in the pair of examples below, muchos libros receives the action of leen. It is plural, masculine, and a plural noun phrase, so it can be replaced with the direct object pronoun los, as shown in the second example.
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Want to learn more about Spanish pronouns? Check out the following articles!
• Direct Object Pronoun Placement
• Direct and Indirect Object Pronouns in Spanish
• Pronouns and Present Participles
• Reflexive Verbs and Reflexive Pronouns
• The Neuter Demonstrative Pronouns "Eso," "Esto," and "Aquello"
• Demonstrative Pronouns in Spanish
• Relative Pronouns with Prepositions
• Possessive Pronouns in Spanish
