Indirect Object Pronouns
Indirect object pronouns are the words that take the place of the noun. They are shown in the table below:
 me |
to/for me | (singular) |
| te |
to/for you | (singular) |
| le |
to/for you, to him, to her | (singular) |
| nos |
to/for us | (plural) |
| os |
to/for you guys | (plural) |
| les |
to/for you all, to them | (plural) |
Ella le da un oso (a bone) al perro. -----> Ella se lo da.
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 a esta hora.
You always call me at this time.
No me llames a 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.
