Example :

To get up ==> LEVANTARSE
To take a shower ==> DURCHARSE
To go to bed ==> ACOSTARSE

The reflexive pronoun is placed at the end of the verb.

When conjugating a pronominal verb, the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se) is placed before the verb and agrees with the subject.

Example with the verb LAVARSE (To wash oneself), conjugated in the present tense:

– I wash myself ==> Me lavo
– You wash ==> Te lavas
– He / She washes ==> Se lava
– We wash ==> Nos lavamos
– You wash ==> Os laváis
– They wash ==> Se lavan

II. Position of the reflexive pronoun

The reflexive pronoun is ALWAYS placed before the conjugated verb. Except in three situations:

* In the infinitive, the pronoun -SE remains next to the verb
Example : Maquillarse ==> To make up

* When the affirmative imperative is used
Example : Siéntate ==> Sit down ; Cállate ==> Shut up ; Dímelo ==> Tell me.

* In the gerund (in the case of ESTAR + Gerund, the pronoun can be placed before or after the verb)
Example :
– Estaba comiendose una manzana ==> Se estaba comiendo una manzana ==> He was eating an apple.
– Ella esta peinandose ==> Ella se está peinando ==> Ella is doing her hair.

III. Most common pronominal verbs in Spanish

These verbs refer to usual and recurring actions:

Despertarse==> To wake up
Levantarse ==> Get up
Lavarse ==> To wash
Llamarse ==> To call
Peinarse ==> To comb one’s hair
Relajarse ==> Relax
Casarse ==> To get married
Dormirse ==> Fall asleep
Acostarse ==> Go to bed