Indirect object pronouns answer the question “to whom?” or “for whom?” and refer only to people:
- María escribe a Jaime. María le escribe.
- Usted compra un regalo a su mujer. Usted le compra un regalo.
- Carlos enseña alemán a los chicos. Carlos les enseña alemán.
Indirect object pronouns are used when indicating that a person "received" some emotion, sensation, result or impression:
- El trabajo me gusta.
- Me obligan a decirlo.
We also use them when we indicate the loss of something.
- Me roban el coche.
- Te quitaron un peso de encima.
Indirect object (IO) pronouns
Singular
Plural
me
(me)
nos
(us)
te
(you (familiar))
os
(you (familiar, plural))
le (se)
(him, it (masculine) , you (formal) )
les (se)
(them, you (formal, familiar))
Keep in mind that the direct objects are acted upon by the verb, and indirect objects are affected by the action of the verb. Also, make sure that the verb agrees with the subject and not with the object pronouns.
The Personal “a”
The personal “a” has no meaning and merely indicates that the direct object is a person. It is used before a direct object noun (not pronoun) when the direct object is a person (definite or indefinite) or a pet:
- Hoy llamo a José.
- ¿Puedes cuidar a mi gato?
- ¿Ves a alguien?
Remember that the personal “a” is not used with the verb tener.
