Reciprocal Actions

Sometimes the reflexive pronouns “se” and “nos” are used to express the idea “(to) each other.” Sometimes the reflexive pronouns “se” and “nos” are used to express the idea “(to) each other.” These are called reciprocal actions. These are called reciprocal actions.

Common Verbs that take reciprocal forms are: Common Verbs that take reciprocal forms are: dar(se) la mano dar(se) la mano besar(se) besar(se) abrazar(se) abrazar(se) saludar(se) saludar(se)

Mi hermano y yo nos abrazamos.Mi hermano y yo nos abrazamos. We hug each other.We hug each other. Yo abrazo a mi hermana.Yo abrazo a mi hermana. I give my sister a hug.I give my sister a hug. Not reflexive! Notice the “a.”Not reflexive! Notice the “a.” - Yo la abrazo. (direct object) I hug her. I hug her.

Yo doy la mano a mi amigo.Yo doy la mano a mi amigo. Nos damos la mano.Nos damos la mano.

You can add the reflexive “se” or “nos” to any regular verb when you want to say “each other.” You can add the reflexive “se” or “nos” to any regular verb when you want to say “each other.” escribir(se) escribir(se) hablar(se) hablar(se)

Amanda le escribe a Rachel. Amanda le escribe a Rachel. Rachel le escribe a Amanda. Rachel le escribe a Amanda. Ellas se escriben. Ellas se escriben. They write to each other. They write to each other.