In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Spanish reflexive verbs with prepositions. Reflexive verbs are a key component of the Spanish language, used to indicate that the subject of the verb is performing an action on itself. When combined with prepositions, these verbs take on even more specific meanings and uses.
Understanding how reflexive verbs with prepositions work can greatly enhance your ability to communicate complex actions and relationships in Spanish. We will explore various examples of reflexive verbs paired with common prepositions, providing clear explanations and practical examples to help you grasp their nuances.
Spanish Reflexive Verbs with Prepositions
Spanish reflexive verbs are used with reflexive pronouns. In this article, we will go through six Spanish reflexive verbs that are used with prepositions.
Acostumbrarse a (to get used to)
Después de tantos años, ya me he acostumbrado a trabajar aquí.
After so many years, I’ve gotten used to working here.
Parece insoportable, pero cuando te acostumbras al olor, es más fácil.
It seems unbearable, but when you get used to the smell, it’s easier.
Siempre he vivido en el campo. No me acostumbro a ver tantos coches.
I’ve always lived in the countryside. I can’t get used to seeing so many cars.
Acercarse a (to get close to)
Alicia se acercó a Elena y le susurró un secreto.
Alicia got close to Elena and whispered her a secret.
Cuando nos acercamos a la montaña, vimos lo bonita que era.
When we got close to the mountain we saw how beautiful it was.
Si tienes frío, acércate a la chimenea, pero ten cuidado con el fuego.
If you are cold, get close to the fireplace, but be careful with the fire.
Dedicarse a (to devote oneself to)
A partir de ahora, me dedicaré a disfrutar de la vida.
From now on, I will devote myself to enjoying life.
Se dedicó a ayudar a otras personas. Fue voluntario en un hospital.
He devoted himself to helping others. He volunteered in a hospital.
Puso pasión en sus proyectos y se dedicó a ellos completamente.
She put passion into her projects and devoted herself to them completely.
Rebelarse contra (to rise up against)
Todo el país se rebeló contra el dictador.
The whole country rose up against the dictator.
Los estudiantes se rebelaron contra el profesor.
The students rose up against the teacher.
Se rebelaron contra los franceses por razones económicas y políticas.
They rose up against the French for economic and political reasons.
Fijarse en (to pay attention to)
Fíjate en lo que dice tu profesora en clase.
Pay attention to what your teacher says in class.
Fíjate en la carretera o tendremos un accidente.
Pay attention to the road or we’ll get into an accident.
Fíjate en todos los detalles. Después no podrás verlo otra vez.
Pay attention to all the details. You won’t be able to see it again later.
Enterarse de (to find out)
Tomás se enteró de que Julia está embarazada. (ES)
Tomás supo que Julia está embarazada. (MX)
Tomás heard that Julia is pregnant.
Only in Spain,
No me enteré de nada, porque no hablo ruso. (ES)
No entendí nada, porque no hablo ruso. (ES and MX)
I didn’t understand anything because I don’t speak Russian.
Exercises
Let’s do some exercises to practice the Spanish reflexive verbs with prepositions we have covered in this article.