Forms of direct object pronouns

Spanish direct object pronouns allow you to replace nouns and streamline your sentences. Instead of repeating the same noun multiple times, you can use these pronouns to make your speech more natural and efficient.

Forms of Direct Object Pronouns

PronounMeaningExample
memeTe veo a ti. (I see you.)
teyou (informal)Te quiero mucho. (I love you very much.)
lohim, it (masculine)Lo conozco bien. (I know him well.)
laher, it (feminine)La amo. (I love her.)
nosusNos encanta viajar. (We love to travel.)
osyou all (informal, Spain)Os quiero mucho. (I love you all very much.)
losthem (masculine plural)Los veo a menudo. (I see them often.)
lasthem (feminine plural)Las conozco bien. (I know them well.)

How to Use Direct Object Pronouns

Direct object pronouns in Spanish typically go before the conjugated verb. Let’s see this in action:

María compra el libro → María lo compra (Maria buys the book → Maria buys it)

Juan ve a sus amigos → Juan los ve (Juan sees his friends → Juan sees them)

When used with infinitives or commands, the pronouns attach to the end of the verb:

Quiero comprar el coche → Quiero comprarlo (I want to buy the car → I want to buy it)

¡Toma las llaves! → ¡Tómalas! (Take the keys! → Take them!)

Common Scenarios

With People

When referring to people, use ‘lo’ for males and ‘la’ for females: Veo a Pablo → Lo veo (I see Pablo → I see him) Veo a Ana → La veo (I see Ana → I see her)

With Objects

Match the pronoun with the gender of the noun: Tengo la mesa → La tengo (I have the table → I have it) Tengo el libro → Lo tengo (I have the book → I have it)

With Groups

Use ‘los’ for mixed or all-male groups and ‘las’ for all-female groups: Veo a los estudiantes → Los veo (I see the students → I see them) Veo a las chicas → Las veo (I see the girls → I see them)

Here are some short examples of Spanish direct object pronouns in action:

  • Lo veo. (I see him/it.)
  • La compro. (I buy her/it.)
  • Los quiero. (I want them.)
  • Las busco. (I look for them.)

Key Points to Remember

  1. Spanish direct object pronouns must match the gender and number of what they replace
  2. They typically go before conjugated verbs
  3. They attach to infinitives and commands
  4. When referring to things rather than people, match the pronoun to the noun’s gender
  5. With people, use their natural gender (lo/la) regardless of the word used to describe them

Remember, mastering Spanish direct object pronouns will make your speech more fluid and natural, helping you sound more like a native speaker.

Related topics:

You are here:

Finally, Spanish teachers worth your time!

Experience the LingoToGo difference for yourself with a free week of unlimited lessons.

Expert teachers, raving students, guaranteed fun.

No credit card required. No obligation.

Free trial only available in the Americas and Europe. If you are in another region, you can sign up for one week of unlimited Spanish lessons for one dollar. Here’s the link to sign up for $1.