In this lesson, we will learn how to effectively combine direct and indirect object pronouns in affirmative imperatives in Spanish. This skill is crucial for anyone looking to give clear and concise commands in Spanish. Additionally, we’ll cover the essential rule of replacing ‘le’ with ‘se’ when both pronouns are involved, which is vital for correct pronunciation and clarity in communication. Through practical examples and exercises, you’ll become adept at manipulating these pronouns in your daily Spanish interactions.
Objectives:
- Understand the mechanics of combining direct and indirect object pronouns in Spanish affirmative imperatives.
- Learn the specific rules for replacing “le” with “se” when both types of pronouns are used in a sentence.
- Practice constructing commands that incorporate both direct and indirect object pronouns.
- Gain proficiency in using complex pronoun combinations in everyday Spanish communication.
Verb form: Affirmative imperative with indirect and direct opbject pronouns
When using the affirmative imperative with object pronouns in Spanish, the order is: verb + indirect object pronoun + direct object pronoun. The object pronouns are attached to the end of the verb, forming a single word.
For example:
- Comprar + me + lo = Cómpramelo (Buy it for me)
| Pronoun | Affirmative Imperative |
|---|---|
| Tú | Cómpramelo (Buy it for me) |
| Usted | Cómpremelo (Buy it for me) |
| Nosotros | Comprémoslo (Let’s buy it for him/her) |
| Vosotros | Comprádmelo (Buy it for me) |
| Ustedes | Cómprenlo (Buy it for them) |
When “le” or “les” becomes “se”
When the indirect object pronoun is “le” or “les” and it comes before “lo”, “la”, “los”, or “las”, it changes to “se”.
For example, cómpraselo (“Buy it for him/her/them”).
Cómpra + le + lo ==> Cómpraselo
This is done to avoid cacophony, as having “le” or “les” before “lo”, “la”, “los”, or “las” creates a phonetically awkward combination.
So, don’t say:
Cómpralelo
García Family in Marbella having a daily conversation using affirmative imperative with direct and indirect pronouns
| Spanish Dialogue | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Antonio: ¡Hola, familia! Ayúdenme a poner la mesa, por favor. | Antonio: Hello, family! Help me set the table, please. |
| Penélope: ¡Juan, cómprame una servilleta y tráemela! | Penélope: Juan, buy me a napkin and bring it to me! |
| Juan: ¡Claro, mamá! Lucía, cuéntanoslo ahora, ¿qué hiciste hoy? | Juan: Sure, mom! Lucía, tell us now, what did you do today? |
| Lucía: Hoy fui a la playa con Abuela Rosa. Abuelo Miguel, enséñanos las fotos. | Lucía: Today I went to the beach with Grandma Rosa. Grandpa Miguel, show us the photos. |
| Abuela Rosa: Miguel, enséñamelas, por favor. | Abuela Rosa: Miguel, show them to me, please. |
| Abuelo Miguel: ¡Claro que sí, Rosa! Todos, miradlas, son preciosas. | Abuelo Miguel: Of course, Rosa! Everyone, look at them, they are beautiful. |
| Antonio: ¡Qué bonitas! Ahora, familia, cómprenselo, es una maravilla. | Antonio: How beautiful! Now, family, buy it for them, it’s wonderful. |
| Penélope: ¡Sí, vamos a dárselo juntos! | Penélope: Yes, let’s give it to them together! |