Reflexive Verbs — Position of Reflexive Pronouns

Reflexive Verbs — Position of Reflexive Pronouns

Reflexive object pronouns are generally placed in front of the conjugated verb.

Me siento.
I sit down.

Nos sentamos.
We sat down.

Me levanté a las siete, y me vestí.
I got up at seven, and I dressed myself.

However, in the following situations the pronoun is attached to the end of the verb.

1. Infinitives.

Voy a ducharme.
I'm going to take a shower.

¿A qué hora tienes que irte?
What time do you have to go?

2. Affirmative commands.

Lávate las manos, Pepe.
Wash your hands, Joe.

¡Siéntese!
Sit down!

Siéntate a mi lado.
Sit next to me.

3. Present participles.

Estaba duchándome cuando ella llegó.
I was taking a shower when she arrived.

Note: In the case of infinitives and present participles, there is also the option of placing the reflexive pronoun before the auxiliary verb.

Me voy a duchar.
I'm going to take a shower.

Me estaba duchando cuando ella llegó.
I was taking a shower when she arrived.