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Master Spanish indirect object pronouns like me, te, le, nos, os, and les, used to indicate to whom actions are directed, with practical examples such as "El recepcionista me ha explicado" and "¿Te han dado la llave?".
  1. Indirect object pronouns indicate for whom the action of the verb is performed.
  2. Indirect object pronouns are placed before the conjugated verb or attached to the end of an infinitive or gerund.
Pronombre (Pronoun)Ejemplo (Example)
MeEl recepcionista me ha explicado cómo hacer el check in. (The receptionist has explained to me how to do the check-in.)
Te¿Te han dado la llave de habitación? (Have you been given the room key?)
LeEl guía le ha dado la llave. (The guide has given him the key.)
NosEl hotel nos ha ofrecido una solución rápida. (The hotel has offered us a quick solution.)
OsLa recepcionista os ha ayudado con el problema de check in.  (The receptionist has helped you with the check-in problem.)
LesLes explicamos el problema al recepcionista. (We explain the problem to the receptionist to them.)

Exercise 1: Los pronombres de objeto indirecto: "Me, Te, Le, Nos, Os, Les"

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

Les, nos, me, Te, Os

1.
A tí: ¿... están ofreciendo un servicio extra?
(To you: Are they offering you an extra service?)
2.
A tí: ... dicen el proceso de check-in.
(To you: They tell you the check-in process.)
3.
A mí: La agencia ... recomienda una buena habitación.
(To me: The agency recommends a good room.)
4.
A nosotros: El recepcionista ... muestra la salida.
(To us: The receptionist shows us the exit.)
5.
A ellos: ¿... dan una copia del carné de conducir?
(To them: do they give them a copy of the driving licence?)
6.
A mí: El recepcionista ... da la llave ahora.
(To me: The receptionist gives me the key now.)
7.
A vosotros: ¿... dan la llave de acceso en recepción?
(To you all: Do they give you the access key at reception?)
8.
A nosotros: El hotel ... envía un mensaje.
(To us: The hotel sends us a message.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct sentence that properly uses the direct object pronouns "lo", "la", "los" or "las" in contexts related to a hotel stay.

1.
Missing the definite article or the preposition "a" before "recepcionista"; also, the initial sentence is incorrect although the pronoun is correct.
Gender error: "lo" (masculine) is used to replace a feminine singular noun.
2.
Gender and number error: "lo" is masculine singular, not matching "las llaves" feminine plural.
Gender error with the pronoun "los" to replace a feminine plural noun.
3.
Gender error: "lo" is masculine singular pronoun and "solución" is feminine.
Number error: "las" is plural and "solución" is singular.
4.
Gender error: "la" is feminine singular while "servicios" is masculine plural.
Number and gender error: "lo" is masculine singular, not matching plural "los servicios".

Indirect Object Pronouns: "Me, Te, Le, Nos, Os, Les"

This lesson focuses on Spanish indirect object pronouns, which are essential for indicating to whom or for whom an action is performed. These pronouns replace or accompany the noun that receives the indirect action of the verb.

What Are Indirect Object Pronouns?

Indirect object pronouns clarify the recipient of the action in a sentence. In Spanish, the pronouns are: me, te, le, nos, os, and les. Each corresponds respectively to the persons: to me, to you (informal singular), to him/her/you (formal singular), to us, to you (informal plural), and to them/you (formal plural).

Placement in Sentences

These pronouns usually appear before the conjugated verb. When a sentence contains an infinitive or a gerund, the pronoun can either precede the conjugated verb or attach to the end of the infinitive or gerund.

Examples

  • El recepcionista me ha explicado cómo hacer el check in.
  • ¿Te han dado la llave de habitación?
  • El guía le ha dado la llave.
  • El hotel nos ha ofrecido una solución rápida.
  • La recepcionista os ha ayudado con el problema de check in.
  • Les explicamos el problema al recepcionista.

Key Points to Remember

  • The indirect object pronoun shows "to whom" or "for whom" the verb’s action is done.
  • Placement flexibility: before the conjugated verb or attached to infinitives/gerunds.
  • Agreement with the person but no gender distinction (except the formal/singular and plural forms).

Differences Between English and Spanish Indirect Objects

In English, indirect objects often appear immediately after the verb and before the direct object without special pronouns for "to" or "for" when using names or nouns (e.g., "I gave him the key"). In Spanish, the indirect object pronoun is mandatory, even if the indirect object noun is mentioned, to clarify the recipient.

Useful phrases:

  • Me (to me) is used similarly to "to me" in English.
  • Te (to you) corresponds to informal singular "to you."
  • Le (to him/her/you formal) is used for third person singular or formal second person.
  • Nos means "to us."
  • Os is mainly used in Spain for informal plural "to you all."
  • Les means "to them" or formal plural "to you all."

Remember, unlike English, Spanish includes these pronouns to clearly indicate the indirect object, which helps avoid ambiguity in communication.

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