¡Hola, amigos! Did you know that some Spanish verbs can completely change their meaning depending on whether they’re used reflexively or non-reflexively? This adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the language!
Take the verb “levantar,” for example. It means “to lift,” but when we make it reflexive (“levantarse”), it changes to “to get up.” This shift can be quite tricky!
Let’s dive in and explore these versatile verbs together!
Here, you have a list of some of these verbs and their main meanings:
| # | ESPAÑOL | ENGLISH | ESPAÑOL | ENGLISH |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ACORDAR | TO AGREE TO | ACORDARSE | TO REMEMBER |
| 2 | APROVECHAR | TO MAKE THE MOST | APROVECHARSE | TO TAKE ADVANTAGE |
| 3 | ENCONTRAR | TO FIND | ENCONTRARSE | TO MEET UP |
| 4 | IR* | TO GO | IRSE | TO LEAVE |
| 5 | LEVANTAR | TO LIFT | LEVANTARSE | TO GET UP |
| 6 | MARCHAR | TO MARCH | MARCHARSE | TO LEAVE (FORMAL) |
| 7 | OCUPAR | TO OCCUPY | OCUPARSE | TO TAKE CARE OF |
| 8 | RENDIR | TO BE PRODUCTIVE | RENDIRSE | TO SURRENDER |
| 9 | VOLVER* | TO RETURN | VOLVERSE | TO BECOME |
IMPORTANT: In casual conversation, IR (TO GO) and VOLVER (TO RETURN) can be used reflexively without changing their meaning. On the other hand, IRSE (TO LEAVE) and VOLVERSE (TO BECOME) cannot be used as non-reflexive forms while maintaining the same meaning.
Examples:
Voy / Me voy al teatro (I go to the theater) / Me voy / Voy [NO] de este lugar (I leave this place)
Vuelvo / Me vuelvo a mi país (I go back to my country) / Juan se volvió / volvió [NO] una persona muy agradable (Juan became a very nice person)
LET’S SEE HOW WE USE THESE VERBS!
1. ACORDAR (TO AGREE) / ACORDARSE (TO REMEMBER)
English: They always agree to have a meeting.
Español: Ellos siempre acuerdan tener una reunión.
English: I always remember my first day of school.
Español: Siempre me acuerdo de mi primer día de clases.
2. APROVECHAR (TO MAKE THE MOST) / APROVECHARSE (TO TAKE ADVANTAGE)
English: You should make the most of this opportunity.
Español: Debes aprovechar esta oportunidad.
English: He never tried to take advantage of his friends.
Español: Él nunca intentó aprovecharse de sus amigos.
3. ENCONTRAR (TO FIND) / ENCONTRARSE (TO MEET UP)
English: I hope to find my keys soon.
Español: Espero encontrar mis llaves pronto.
English: We’ll meet up at the café later.
Español: Nos encontraremos en el café más tarde.
4. IR (TO GO) / IRSE (TO LEAVE)
English: We need to go to the store.
Español: Necesitamos ir a la tienda.
English: I have to leave now.
Español: Tengo que irme ahora.
5. LEVANTAR (TO LIFT) / LEVANTARSE (TO GET UP)
English: They need to lift those boxes carefully.
Español: Necesitan levantar esas cajas con cuidado.
English: She wants to get up early tomorrow.
Español: Ella quiere levantarse temprano mañana.
6. OCUPAR (TO OCCUPY) / OCUPARSE (TO TAKE CARE OF)
English: I will occupy the space until you arrive.
Español: Yo ocuparé el espacio hasta que llegues.
English: She needs to take care of all these problems.
Español: Ella necesita ocuparse de todos estos problemas.
7. MARCHAR (TO MARCH) / MARCHARSE (TO LEAVE)
English: The soldiers wil march together.
Español: Los soldados marcharán juntos.
English: The gentlemen decided to leave after the party.
Español: Los caballeros decidieron marcharse después de la fiesta.
8. RENDIR (TO BE PRODUCTIVE) / RENDIRSE (TO SURRENDER)
English: People who take a nap are more productive.
Español: La gente que duerme la siesta rinde más.
English: The soldiers surrendered.
Español: Los soldados se rindieron.
9. VOLVER (TO RETURN) / VOLVERSE (TO BECOME)
English: She plans to return home next week.
Spanish: Ella planea volver a casa la próxima semana.
English: He is starting to become a very happy man.
Spanish: Está empezando a volverse un hombre muy feliz.
Now, let’s have some fun and learn these verbs quickly with some awesome games!
GAME 1
GAME 2
