Direct Object Pronouns

Direct Objects A direct object is an object that is being acted upon, or receives the action of the verb in the sentence. Francisco drives the car. Francisco maneja el carro. We send a letter. Nosotros enviamos una carta.

Asking the question, “What is being [driven, sent, hammered, etc.]?” reveals the direct object. Consider the following: What is the verb?________________ What is being ____________? She cooks the bacon.

Direct Object Pronouns menos te lo la los las Notice that these are very similar to indirect object pronouns (which are used with gustar, encantar, etc.) Do not let the similarities confuse you.

Direct Object Pronouns A direct object pronoun takes the place of a direct object. Direct object pronouns are often used to shorten a sentence. Francisco maneja el carro. Francisco lo maneja.

Using the direct object pronouns “lo” and “la” in Spanish is similar to using “it” in English. A direct object pronoun may only be used when the direct object is clearly understood. Consider the following: Who has it? Taken out of context, we don’t know what “ it ” is. Consider this, instead: I’m looking for the ball. Who has it?

Now consider this example in Spanish: Lo habla muy bien. Out of context, there is no way to know what “ lo ” means. Consider this, instead: Dennis habla español. Lo habla muy bien. In context, it becomes clear that “lo” refers to “español.”

Direct object pronouns go before the verb, even though the direct object itself originally came after the verb. Dennis habla español. Lo habla muy bien.

Direct object pronouns are often used when answering questions. Do you see Pablo? Yes, I see him. ¿No ves a Pablo? Sí, lo veo.