The easiest way to explain this kind of verbs to my students has been to say that there are times when we want to specify that the action of a verb is reflected on oneself instead of someone else or an object. So for example when I say I brush, but it is my hair that I’m brushing I need to add something to make it personal. That something is called a reflexive pronoun. Here is a chart I created with all the reflexive pronouns and typical uses (plus regular verbs often used!)

Here is the PDF for a really good download:

These are its uses with more examples:

1) Add the reflexive pronoun before the conjugated verb. They are often used to talk about one’s daily routine. For example:

I brush my teeth everyday.

Yo me cepillo los dientes todos los días.

I take a shower after I do exercise.

Yo me baño después de hacer ejercicios.

I eat breakfast around 7:00AM.

Yo me desayuno alrededor de las 7:00AM.

2) Add the reflexive pronoun after the verb in infinitive form. Because the verb must be in infinitive it is often combined with “gustar” (to like), “ir” (to go) and “tener” (to have). This pattern is often used for commands, or to express activities that you like or are going to do. Look how the previous sentences change in this pattern:

I like to brush my teeth.

Me gusta cepillarme todos los días.

I have to take a shower after I exercise.

Tengo que bañarme después de hacer ejercicios.

I go to eat breakfast around 7:00AM.

Voy a desayunarme alrededor de las 7:00AM.

Soon to come: worksheets! ^ ^