Using double pronouns with the imperative in Spanish (El Imperativo)

Learn about the order of pronouns with El Imperativo

When an imperative in Spanish has two pronouns there is a specific order: first the indirect object pronoun (me, te, le, nos, les) and then the direct object pronoun (lo, la, las, los). These are placed after and combined with the verb to become a single word.

Have a look at these examples:

Prepara la carne para él Prepárasela.Prepare the meat for him.  Prepare it for him.

Corten la hierba para  Córtenmela.Cut the grass for me.  Cut it for me.

Compren caramelos para ustedes Cómprenselos.Buy sweets for you.  Buy them for you.

Pide las cervezas para ellos Pídeselas.Order the beers for them. → Order them for them.

Reserva la mesa para ti Resérvatela.Book the table for yourself.  Book it for yourself.

Póngaselo en la mesa.Put it on the table for him/her/them.

Escriban la carta a nosotros  Escríbannosla.Write the letter to us.  Write it to us

melo ahora mismo.Give it to me straight away.

Firmen el documento para ella Fírmenselo.Sign the document for her.  Sign it for her.


Notice:

 

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Examples and resources

Escriban la carta a nosotros  Escríbannosla.Write the letter to us.  Write it to us
Reserva la mesa para ti Resérvatela.Book the table for yourself.  Book it for yourself.
melo ahora mismo.Give it to me straight away.
Póngaselo en la mesa.Put it on the table for him/her/them.
Compren caramelos para ustedes Cómprenselos.Buy sweets for you.  Buy them for you.
Pide las cervezas para ellos Pídeselas.Order the beers for them. → Order them for them.
Firmen el documento para ella Fírmenselo.Sign the document for her.  Sign it for her.
Corten la hierba para  Córtenmela.Cut the grass for me.  Cut it for me.
Prepara la carne para él Prepárasela.Prepare the meat for him.  Prepare it for him.
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