Step-by-step instructions for conjugating reflexive verbs in the present tense.

 

1. Always deal with the reflexive pronoun first. To do this, look at the subject (located to the left of verb):

  • If subject is not "yo", "tú" or "nosotros" (or equivalent to nosotros, like "mi amiga y yo"), your reflexive pronoun will be "se".
     
  • If subject is "yo", your reflexive pronoun is "me"
     
  • If subject is "tú", your reflexive pronoun is "te"
     
  • If subject is "nosotros" or equal to nosotros, your reflexive pronoun is "nos" 

2. Once your reflexive pronoun is safely in place, conjugate your verb in the present tense.

Follow these steps:

  • 1. Derive the stem by removing the -AR, -ER or -IR ending.
     
  • 2. Rely on your studying to know if the verb you're working with stem-changes or not.
     
  • --If it doesn't stem change, great--leave the stem alone and move on to Step 3.
     
  • --If it does stem change, but the subject is "nosotros" (or equal to nosotros), also great--leave the stem alone and move on to Step 3. 

Follow these steps, con't:

 

  • 2 (con't). --If the verb you're working with does stem change and the subject is not "nosotros", you must make the appropriate change to the stem vowel.
     
  • 3. Finally, no matter what you did to the stem, you finish by adding the correct conjugated ending for the subject and the type of verb (-AR, -ER or -IR) you're conjugating.

Conjugation practice:

1. ¿Tú ________________ (maquillarse) todos los días?

Step 1: deal with the reflexive pronoun.

  • Subject is tú.
  • We write te in the blank.

Step 2: conjugate the verb in the present tense.

Derive the stem by removing the -AR ending: "maquill"

  • Remember whether or not this verb stem changes: it does not. 
  • Great! Leave that stem alone!

Add the correct present-tense ending for this -AR verb. Subject is tú.

  • Ending is "as": maquillas"

Your complete answer is "te maquillas". 

Conjugation practice:

1. Mi hermana ________________ (despertarse) a las ocho y media.

Step 1: deal with the reflexive pronoun.

  • Subject is not yo, tú or nosotros.
  • We write se in the blank.

Step 2: conjugate the verb in the present tense.

Derive the stem by removing the -AR ending: "despert"

  • Remember whether or not this verb stem changes: it does. The change is e-ie.
  • Check to make sure the subject is not nosotros. It isn't.
  • Change the stem: "despiert"

Add the correct present-tense ending for this -AR verb.

  • Subject is 3rd-person singular.
  • Ending is "a": despierta"

Your complete answer is "se despierta".