Topic 9
Direct & indirect object pronouns
The rule, in plain English
Direct object pronouns replace the 'what': lo/la/los/las. Indirect object pronouns replace the 'to whom': le/les. Both go before the conjugated verb. When indirect + direct meet and both start with l- (le lo), the indirect 'le/les' becomes 'se': se lo doy.
Why it's hard for English speakers
English keeps objects after the verb ('I give it to him'); Spanish moves them in front and merges them, and the le→se swap has no English parallel.
Pronouns
| Direct (what) | Indirect (to whom) |
|---|---|
| lo / la | le |
| los / las | les |
Examples
- ¿El libro? Lo tengo.The book? I have it.
- Le doy el regalo (a ella).I give the gift to her.
- Se lo doy.I give it to him/her. (le + lo → se lo)
- Las compro mañana.I'll buy them tomorrow.
Common mistakes
- Le lo doySe lo doyle + lo → se lo.
- Tengo loLo tengoPronoun goes before the verb.
Practice
Exercises: 0 / 0 correct
¿La carta? ___ escribo.
I have it (el libro) = ___ tengo.
Le + lo = ___ lo
I give it to her = ___ lo doy.