CONTENT
In Spanish, it is common to use direct and indirect object pronouns together. When this happens, you need to consider some changes.
Spanish
English
- ¿Le compraste el libro a Jesús?
- Sí, se lo compré ayer.
- Did you buy the book for Jesus?
- Yes, I bought it for him yesterday.
Quick Review of Direct and Indirect Object Pronouns
Rule 1. The function of direct object pronouns is to avoid the repetition of an object already mentioned. They are usually placed before conjugated verbs unless the pronoun is part of the verbal periphrasis estar + gerundio (present progressive) or a sentence with an infinitive verb form.
Spanish
English
- ¿Ya compraste el libro?
- Sí, lo compré esta mañana.
- Have you already bought the book?
- Yes, I bought it this morning.
Rule 2. The function of an indirect object pronoun is to avoid the repetition of to or for whom the action is performed. These pronouns are also placed before the conjugated verb.
Spanish
English
¿Le vas a dar un regalo a Andrea?
Are you giving a gift to Andrea?
Double Object Pronouns - Use
Rule 3. Using two pronouns in a sentence has the same purpose as using them individually, which is to avoid repeating what has already been mentioned.
Without pronouns:
Spanish
English
Mis padres me dan unos chocolates.
My parents give me some chocolates.
With pronouns:
Spanish
English
Mis padres me los dan.
My parents give them to me.
Double Object Pronouns - Form
Rule 4. When both pronouns are used, the indirect object pronoun is placed before the direct object pronoun, and both come before the conjugated verb.
Spanish
English
Te lo regalo, no te preocupes.
I'll give it to you, don't worry.
Le to Se Change
One of the most important aspects to consider when using both types together is the indirect object pronouns for the third person singular and plural (le, les).
Rule 5. When le or les pronouns are used together with the direct object pronouns lo, la, los, and las, they should be changed to se to avoid a repetitive sound.
Incorrect:
Spanish
English
- ¿Puedes llevarle las llaves a mi abuela?
- Sí, le las llevo.
- Can you take the keys to my grandmother?
- Yes, I'll take them to her.
Correct:
Spanish
English
-¿Le puedes llevar las llaves a mi abuela?
- Sí, se las llevo.
- Can you take the keys to my grandmother?
- Yes, I'll take them to her.
Double Object Pronouns with the Present Progressive
Rule 6. When using double object pronouns in the present progressive (the verbal periphrasis estar + gerund), the pronoun can be attached to the end of the present participle form. In this case, the order of the pronouns remains the same. Remember that an accent mark must be added.
Spanish
English
Estoy comprándotelos.
I'm buying them for you.
Rule 7. The same can be done with a sentence that has two verbs, with the second one in the infinitive form.
Spanish
English
Te los quiero comprar.
Quiero comprártelos.
I want to buy them for you.
How to Express Negation
Rule 8. Place no or another negative word before the pronouns.
Spanish
English
No se los conté.
I didn't tell them.
Quiz
1/4
Fernanda va a escribir cuentos para sus hermanitos.
0
correct answers.