How to use The position of direct and indirect object pronouns in Spanish

Learn how to use The position of direct and indirect object pronouns, and what to use it for in Spanish.
Test your Spanish level for free today with Hotel Borbollón.

TEST YOUR SPANISH Free trial and no commitment to buy
4,6 on App Store, Play Store and Trustpilot
More than 7 million users

The position of direct and indirect object pronouns

Indirect object pronouns Pronombres CI and direct object pronouns Pronombres CD are placed:

  • For the most part, before the verb.

Los tengo en el bolso (los cigarrillos).

I have them in my bag (the cigarettes).

Le he dado unas llaves (a Betty).

I’ve given her some keys (to Betty).

  • After the verb: in the infinitive, infinitive perfect or affirmative imperative form.

Gracias por invitarnos (a nosotros).

Thanks for inviting us.

Ella no lamenta haberme levantado la voz (a mí).

She isn't sorry for having raised her voice at me.

Dale unas flores (a Carolina).

Give her some flowers (to Carolina).

  • Either before or after the verb:

In most sentences that contain a conjugated verb followed by an infinitive.

Te quiero llamar / Quiero llamarte.

I want to call you.

With conjugated verbs in the near future tense (conjugated form of ir + a + infinitive).

Las voy a dejar en la nevera / Voy a dejarlas en la nevera (las cervezas).

I am going to leave them in the fridge (the beers).

In the construction estar (to be) + a gerund (verb ending in ‑ndo), which expresses actions currently taking place:

Nacho le está dando unas llaves / Nacho está dándole unas llaves (a Magda).

Nacho is giving her some keys (to Magda).

No estuve viéndolo / No lo estuve viendo (a Nacho).

I wasn't looking at him (Nacho).



Still facing difficulties with 'The position of direct and indirect object pronouns'? Learn and enhance your Spanish grammar through our online Spanish course. Start with a free test and improve today!

TEST YOUR SPANISH

What our users say:

Pleasure

         

I enjoy doing my online Spanish lessons. Only ten minutes daily are enough...Thank you!

Innovative

         

I love your innovative method which allows me to learn a new language and have fun at the same time!

Unique

         

Your method is unique! Your courses have helped me to progress and gain confidence during my travels.

Progress

         

Gymglish has allowed me to improve my Spanish. A daily routine I wouldn't miss for anything in the world!

More testimonials.

Improve your Spanish further and test Hotel Borbollón, online Spanish lessons.