Position of pronouns with conjugated verbs in Spanish

Where to place the pronouns with conjugated verbs in Spanish

When there are direct object, indirect object and reflexive pronouns in a sentence with a conjugated verb, the position of the pronouns will always be in front of the verb structure.

Have a look and listen to the following examples:

Ellos nos han enviado una invitación.They have sent us an invitation.

¿Me leerás un cuento esta noche?Will you read me a story tonight?

Rosario lo compró en la farmacia.Rosario bought it at the chemist.

Ellas se habían duchado antes de salir.They had had a shower before going out.

Notice how the pronouns are always placed in front and not after the verb, unlike in English, for example:

Los compré en Madrid NOT Compré los en Madrid 
I bought them in Madrid.

Where to place pronouns with negative commands

With negative imperatives, the pronoun is also placed in front of the verb, after "no". For example:

¡No me dejes!Don't leave me!

No lo toques. Está muy caliente.Don't touch it. It is very hot.

When there is more than one pronoun

Remember that in sentences with more than one pronoun there is a specific order you must follow:

  • First the indirect object pronoun, then the direct object pronoun. 
  • First a reflexive pronoun, then an indirect object pronoun

This order must be respected in sentences with a conjugated verb. 

Ella se lo entregó enseguida.She gave it to him straight away.

[se =indirect object] [lo =direct object]

 

Me gusta este bar. Clara me lo recomendó.I like this bar. Clara recommended it to me.

[me =indirect object] [lo =direct object]

 

Hemos recibido una carta. Antonio nos la ha enviado desde Perú.We received a letter. Antonio sent it to us from Peru.

[nos =indirect object] [la =direct object]

 

El susto se me pasó pronto.I got over the fright quickly.

[se = reflexive pronoun] [me = indirect object]

 

To learn about how pronouns are positioned with conjugated verbs that contain a gerund, infinitive or a command see also Position of Spanish direct and indirect object pronouns with infinitive/present participle and affirmative commands.

 

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Examples and resources

Ellos nos han enviado una invitación.They have sent us an invitation.
Rosario lo compró en la farmacia.Rosario bought it at the chemist.
Ellas se habían duchado antes de salir.They had had a shower before going out.
Ella se lo entregó enseguida.She gave it to him straight away.
¿Me leerás un cuento esta noche?Will you read me a story tonight?
Me gusta este bar. Clara me lo recomendó.I like this bar. Clara recommended it to me.
Hemos recibido una carta. Antonio nos la ha enviado desde Perú.We received a letter. Antonio sent it to us from Peru.
¡No me dejes!Don't leave me!
No lo toques. Está muy caliente.Don't touch it. It is very hot.
El susto se me pasó pronto.I got over the fright quickly.
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