Indirect Object Pronouns
 me |
to me | (singular) |
| te |
to you | (singular) |
| le |
to you, to him, to her | (singular) |
| se |
to yourself, to himself, to herself | (singular) |
| nos |
to us | (plural) |
| os |
to you guys | (plural) |
| les |
to you all, to them | (plural) |
| se |
to themselves, to yourselves | (plural) |
The indirect object indicates "to whom" or "for whom" the action of the verb is performed. Sentences that have an indirect object often also have a direct object. The example below illustrates the direct object and indirect object of a simple sentence.
She gave me the report.
What is the direct object? - the report
Who received the report? - Me
What is the indirect object? - Me
"Me" is the indirect object because it tells us who the report was given to.
The direct object is not always stated; in some cases it is implied.
Example:
My girl friend writes me every day.
What is the direct object? - letter (implied)
Who received the letter? - me
What is the indirect object? - me
"me" is the indirect object because it tells us who the letter was written for.
1. They precede conjugated verbs and negative commands:
Siempre me llamas en esta hora.
You always call me at this time.
No me llames en esta hora.
Don't call me at this time (of day).
2. They can precede or follow infinitives and present participles.
No tienes que decirle la verdad.
You don't have to tell him/her the truth.
No le tienes que decir la verdad.
You don't have to tell him/her the truth.
3. They follow and are attached to affirmative commands.
Dile que el partido empieza a las siete.
Tell him/her that the game starts at seven.
Pablo me compra una bicicleta.
Paul buys me a bicycle.
Paul buys a bicycle for me.
Pablo te compra una bicicleta.
Paul buys you a bicycle.
Paul buys a bicycle for you.
Pablo le compra una bicicleta.
Paul buys him (her, you) a bicycle.
Paul buys a bicycle for him (her, you).
Pablo nos compra una bicicleta.
Paul buys us a bicycle.
Paul buys a bicycle for us.
Pablo os compra una bicicleta.
Paul buys you guys a bicycle.
Paul buys a bicycle for you guys.
Pablo les compra una bicicleta.
Paul buys them (you all) a bicycle.
Paul buys a bicycle for them (you all).