Direct Object for "Usted"

N. Hilary (Shamrockhill) W.A2 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Direct Object for "Usted"

Hola,

In this lesson we have the example of "Si, te quiero."

The direct object pronouns introduced are: Me, Te, Nos, and Os. The other direct object lesson referred to deals with: lo, la, los, and las. 

What is the direct object pronoun for "Usted", the formal of "Tu"; or "Ustedes", the plural of "Tu" in Latin America?

I seem to remember it to be: "le" and "les" respectively.

For example, I would say to my elderly neighbor, "Si, yo le quiero"

Is this correct? And, is there a lesson that covers the direct object pronouns for "usted" and "ustedes"?

Gracias,

N. Hilary

Asked 7 months ago
InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hola N. Hilary

You're right about using "le" in "Sí, yo le quiero" if you want to say "Yes, I love you"  to your elderly neighbor. And you may think, why is it le and not lo when it is a direct object pronoun? 

There is something called "leísmo" which explains the use of le/les (indirect object pronouns) instead of lo/los (direct object pronouns). In this case, because you are referring to a male person in singular, the rule says that in that case, "le" is acceptable, and in fact, a common use in lots of parts of Spain (and also in Latin America, although a bit less).

Here's an article about leísmo where you'll find more information.

I hope it helps.

Saludos

Inma

Clara M.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hola N. Hilary,

Yes, you're right, the direct object pronoun for usted is le and for ustedes it is les.

If you scroll down on the lesson page you're on, you'll find the link that I've included below that will give you more detail: 

Using me, te, le, nos, os, les (indirect object pronouns)

Saludos :)

N. Hilary (Shamrockhill) W. asked:

Direct Object for "Usted"

Hola,

In this lesson we have the example of "Si, te quiero."

The direct object pronouns introduced are: Me, Te, Nos, and Os. The other direct object lesson referred to deals with: lo, la, los, and las. 

What is the direct object pronoun for "Usted", the formal of "Tu"; or "Ustedes", the plural of "Tu" in Latin America?

I seem to remember it to be: "le" and "les" respectively.

For example, I would say to my elderly neighbor, "Si, yo le quiero"

Is this correct? And, is there a lesson that covers the direct object pronouns for "usted" and "ustedes"?

Gracias,

N. Hilary

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