Direct vs. Indirect Object Pronouns in Spanish: A2 Grammar Guide
◄ Back to A2 Grammar Hub |Practice with Our Object Pronouns Quiz ►
Key Takeaways
- Understand the key differences between direct and indirect objects in a sentence
- Master the rules for using both pronoun types together in the same sentence
- Learn the essential “se” substitution rule when both pronouns begin with “l”
- Practice the correct word order when combining object pronouns
- Avoid common mistakes with pronoun placement and combination
Combine Pronouns Like a Native Speaker
Now that you know direct and indirect object pronouns separately, it’s time to use them together! This is where your Spanish will start sounding truly natural. Learn to say “I give it to him” instead of “I give the book to Juan” – this is the key to fluent, efficient communication.
Quick Review: Direct vs. Indirect Objects
Direct Object (DO): Receives the action directly
- Answers “What?” or “Whom?”
- Pronouns: me, te, lo, la, nos, os, los, las
Indirect Object (IO): Receives the direct object
- Answers “To/For whom?” or “To/For what?”
- Pronouns: me, te, le, nos, os, les
The Golden “se” Rule (La Regla de “se”)
When both the indirect and direct object pronouns begin with “l” (le/les + lo/la/los/las), the indirect object pronouns le/les change to se.
Instead of: le lo, le la, le los, le las, les lo, les la, les los, les las
We say: se lo, se la, se los, se las
Examples:
- “I give it to him” → “Se lo doy” (not “le lo doy”)
- “She tells it to them” → “Se lo dice” (not “les lo dice”)
- “We send them to her” → “Se los enviamos” (not “le los enviamos”)
Word Order Rules (Orden de los Pronombres)
R.I.D. Rule: Remember Reflexive → Indirect → Direct
1. Both Before Conjugated Verbs:
- “Te lo doy.” (I give it to you.)
- “Se la muestro.” (I show it to him.)
- “Nos los envían.” (They send them to us.)
2. Both Attached to Infinitives:
- “Voy a dartelo.” (I’m going to give it to you.)
- “Quiero mostrarsela.” (I want to show it to him.)
- “Pueden enviárnoslos.” (They can send them to us.)
3. Both Attached to Gerunds (-ndo):
- “Estoy dándotelo.” (I’m giving it to you.)
- “Está mostrándosela.” (He’s showing it to her.)
4. With Affirmative Commands:
- “¡Dámelo!” (Give it to me!)
- “¡Cómpráselo!” (Buy it for him!)
5. With Negative Commands:
- “¡No me lo des!” (Don’t give it to me!)
- “¡No se lo compres!” (Don’t buy it for him!)
Step-by-Step Combination Process
Step 1: Start with the original sentence
“Doy el libro a María.” (I give the book to Maria.)
Step 2: Identify the objects
- Direct: el libro (lo)
- Indirect: a María (le)
Step 3: Apply the “se” rule (if needed)
le + lo → se lo
Step 4: Choose placement
Before conjugated verb: “Se lo doy.”
Practice Combinations Table
| Original Sentence | With Pronouns | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Doy el regalo a ti. | Te lo doy. | I give it to you. |
| Ella escribe la carta a nosotros. | Ella nos la escribe. | She writes it to us. |
| Enviamos los paquetes a ellos. | Se los enviamos. | We send them to them. |
| Voy a comprar las flores a ella. | Voy a comprárselas. | I’m going to buy them for her. |
| Está mostrando la casa a ustedes. | Está mostrándosela. | He’s showing it to you all. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting the “se” rule: This is the most common error! Never say “le lo” – always “se lo.”
- Wrong word order: Indirect comes before direct: “te lo” not “lo te.”
- Adding unnecessary pronouns: Don’t say “Le doy a María el libro” – choose one or the other.
- Misplacing with negative commands: “No me lo des” not “No desmelo.”
- Confusing “se” with reflexive: Here “se” is just a replacement for le/les.
Putting It All Together: Real Conversations
Conversation 1: Birthday Planning
Ana: ¿Compraste el regalo para Carlos?
Luis: Sí, se lo compré ayer. Se lo voy a dar en la fiesta.
Ana: ¿Y las invitaciones? ¿Se las enviaste a todos?
Luis: Sí, se las envié por WhatsApp.
Translation:
Ana: Did you buy the gift for Carlos?
Luis: Yes, I bought it for him yesterday. I’m going to give it to him at the party.
Ana: And the invitations? Did you send them to everyone?
Luis: Yes, I sent them to them via WhatsApp.
Conversation 2: Office Communication
Jefe: ¿Preparaste los documentos para la clienta?
Asistente: Sí, se los preparé esta mañana. ¿Quiere que se los lleve ahora?
Jefe: Sí, por favor. Se los puedes dar personalmente.
Quick Reference Chart
| Situation | Word Order | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Before conjugated verb | IO + DO + verb | Te lo doy. |
| Attached to infinitive | verb + IO + DO | Decirselo |
| Attached to gerund | verb + IO + DO | Dándoselo |
| Affirmative command | verb + IO + DO | ¡Dáselo! |
| Negative command | no + IO + DO + verb | No se lo des. |
| “L” + “L” rule | le/les + lo/la/los/las → se + lo/la/los/las | le lo → se lo |
Practice Exercise: Combine the Pronouns
Combine these sentences using both object pronouns:
- Doy el dinero a ti. → ______ doy.
- Ella envía la carta a nosotros. → Ella ______ envía.
- Voy a comprar los boletos a ellos. → Voy a comprar______.
- ¡Da el libro a mí! → ¡______!
Answers:
- Te lo doy.
- Ella nos la envía.
- Voy a comprárselos.
- ¡Dámelo!
Ready for the Challenge?
Think you can handle both object pronouns together? Test your combination skills!
Take Our Combined Object Pronouns Quiz ►
