grammar.pronouns.placement

Where object pronouns go

Before conjugated verbs (lo veo); attached to infinitives, gerunds, and affirmative commands (verlo, viéndolo, velo); either position with verb + infinitive/gerund combos.

grammarA2, B1Geprüftv0.1.0

Erklärung

Object and reflexive pronouns (clitics) have two possible positions. The default is immediately before a conjugated verb, and after no in the negative: lo veo, no te escucho, me lo dijo. This is the only option with a single conjugated verb.

They attach to the end — written as one word — with three non-finite forms: infinitives (quiero hacerlo), gerunds (sigo pensándolo), and affirmative commands (dímelo, levántate). Negative commands flip them back in front: no me lo digas. The longer word often needs a written accent to keep its original stress: dímelo, comprándolo.

With verb periphrases (verb + infinitive or gerund) both positions are available and mean exactly the same: lo voy a comprar = voy a comprarlo; me estoy duchando = estoy duchándome. When two clitics combine, the order is always indirect before direct (te lo, se lo).

Beispiele

Te lo quiero explicar. / Quiero explicártelo.
I want to explain it to you.

Region: global

No me lo digas.
Don't tell me (it).

Region: global

Quiero dártelo hoy, pero no me lo recuerdes mañana.
I want to give it to you today, but don't remind me about it tomorrow.

Verwandte Regeln