Reflexive vs. Non-Reflexive

Part Two

In Spanish grammar, reflexive verbs play a crucial role in everyday communication. They work with reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos, os, se) to show that the subject performs an action upon itself. Understanding the difference between reflexive and non-reflexive forms of the same verb is essential because they often convey different meanings.

Ir vs. Irse: Destination vs. Departure

Verb Meaning & Example
Ir To go (focuses on the destination)
Example: Voy al cine. – I’m going to the cinema.
Irse To leave / To go away (focuses on the action of leaving)
Example: Me voy de la fiesta. – I’m leaving the party.

Quedar vs. Quedarse: Meeting vs. Staying

Verb Meaning & Example
Quedar To arrange to meet / To fit / To be left
Example: Quedamos en el parque a las 5. – We are meeting in the park at 5.
Quedarse To stay somewhere
Example: Me quedo en casa esta noche. – I’m staying home tonight.

Llamar vs. Llamarse: Calling vs. Being Named

Verb Meaning & Example
Llamar To call (on the phone, to attract attention)
Example: Voy a llamar a mi mamá. – I’m going to call my mom.
Llamarse To be called (used for names)
Example: Me llamo David. – My name is David.

Encontrar vs. Encontrarse: Finding vs. Meeting/Feeling

Verb Meaning & Example
Encontrar To find something
Example: Encontré mi teléfono en la mesa. – I found my phone on the table.
Encontrarse To meet unexpectedly / To feel
Example: Me encontré con Juan en la calle. – I ran into Juan on the street.
Me encuentro cansado hoy. – I feel tired today.

Probar vs. Probarse: Tasting vs. Trying On

Verb Meaning & Example
Probar To try (food, experiences, methods)
Example: Quiero probar esa comida. – I want to try that food.
Probarse To try on (clothes, accessories)
Example: Me voy a probar este pantalón. – I’m going to try on these pants.

Levantar vs. Levantarse: Lifting vs. Getting Up

Verb Meaning & Example
Levantar To lift/raise something
Example: Levanto pesas en el gimnasio. – I lift weights at the gym.
Levantarse To get up (from bed, a chair, etc.)
Example: Me levanto temprano todos los días. – I get up early every day.

Acordar vs. Acordarse: Agreeing vs. Remembering

Verb Meaning & Example
Acordar To agree
Example: Acordamos los términos del contrato. – We agreed on the contract terms.
Acordarse (de) To remember
Example: No me acuerdo de su nombre. – I don’t remember his name.

Dormir vs. Dormirse: Sleeping vs. Falling Asleep

Verb Meaning & Example
Dormirse To fall asleep
Example: Me dormí viendo la película. – I fell asleep watching the movie.
Dormir To sleep
Example: Normalmente duermo ocho horas. – I usually sleep for eight hours.

Despedir vs. Despedirse: Firing vs. Saying Goodbye

Verb Meaning & Example
Despedir To fire someone (job-related)
Example: El jefe despidió a tres empleados. – The boss fired three employees.
Despedirse To say goodbye
Example: Me despedí de mis amigos antes de viajar. – I said goodbye to my friends before traveling.

These verbs demonstrate how the reflexive form can create a completely different meaning. While despedir has negative connotations in the workplace, despedirse is a neutral or positive social action. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for intermediate Spanish learners to avoid potentially embarrassing miscommunications.