Reflexive Verbs

Lavarse, cantarse

Why and When We Use Them

We use reflexive verbs to indicate when a person is performing an action
toward himself/herself.
These are not common in English.

Many of the actions are everyday hygiene things that you do to yourself.
I wash myself.
You wash yourself.

Reflexive Pronouns
Me

Nos

Te

Os

Se

Se

How to use them?

When using a reflexive verb, you add the pronoun onto the end of an
infinitive.
EX:
dormir+se= dormirse
acusar+te=acusarte
ir+me=irme

The pronouns can also be placed in front of simple conjugated verbs.

Me lavo, Te lavas, Se lava.

The person of the object and the subject need to be the same.

Differing Meanings
Some reflexive verbs change the meaning of the infinitive.
These include:
Ir (to go) - irse (to go away)
Dormir (to sleep) - dormirse (to fall asleep)
Abrir (to open) - abrirse (to open up (emotionally))
Combinar (to combine) - combinarse (to take turns)
Llevar (to carry) - llevarse (to take away)
Poner (to put) - ponerse (to put on/to wear)
Acusar (to accuse) - acusarse (to confess)

Examples
I wash myself everyday.
Lavarme cada da.

He is falling asleep.
l dormirse.

They confess to the crime.

Ellos acusarse al crimen.

We put on the dresses at the department store.

Nos ponemos los vestidos a la tienda por departamentos.