"piénsatelo dos veces" ... think about it twice

John O.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

"piénsatelo dos veces" ... think about it twice

Hola Inma, I have been trying to work out why both direct and indirect objects are present here. 

I can't find a reference for a pronominal form of pensar, but on doing the exercise a second time, I noticed that the lesson for the se aspectual was listed as being relevant. Poder isn't given as one of the verbs that typically can take this construction, but does this explain why the reflexive pronoun is being used here, making the verb poder more "intense / complete" as explained in the example of "irse" in the lesson; .... or is there another explanation altogether. Espero que puedas ayudarme. Saludos. John

 

Asked 2 years ago
InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hola John

Yes, this reflexive pronoun "te" is to do with the "se aspectual" to reinforce the meaning of the verb and make the subject more involved in the action, it's a bit like when we use the verb estudiar in for example:

Estúdiatelo bien para sacar buena nota en el examen.

Study it/learn it properly so that you get a good mark in the exam.

We have a similar sentence with the verb aprender in the lesson: 

¿Os habéis aprendido la lección?

The pronoun implies either completion or involvement, a bit of both I'd say.

I'll add an extra example to the lesson using pensar, it's a good one.

When we have two pronouns, we always place the reflexive one first and then the direct object pronoun: piénsatelo

Saludos

Inma

 

 

John O.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Thanks Inma that's really clear .... and apologies for my typos on "poder" which should have read  pensar of course. Saludos. John

John O. asked:

"piénsatelo dos veces" ... think about it twice

Hola Inma, I have been trying to work out why both direct and indirect objects are present here. 

I can't find a reference for a pronominal form of pensar, but on doing the exercise a second time, I noticed that the lesson for the se aspectual was listed as being relevant. Poder isn't given as one of the verbs that typically can take this construction, but does this explain why the reflexive pronoun is being used here, making the verb poder more "intense / complete" as explained in the example of "irse" in the lesson; .... or is there another explanation altogether. Espero que puedas ayudarme. Saludos. John

 

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