Introduction
Pronouns are words that replace nouns whereas determiners are words that are used together with nouns. Here we explain the different types of pronouns and determiners found in Spanish grammar: personal, possessive, reflexive, relative, interrogative, demonstrative, indefinite and the use of voseo.
In the following pages, you will find detailed information about different types of pronouns and determiners in Spanish grammar with rules for usage and examples. At the end of each page there are exercises so you can practise what you have learnt. Simply click on one of the links below to find out more.
Personal pronouns replace a previously-mentioned noun. Use them to speak about yourself, or to address other people.
- Example:
- Beatriz canta una canción. Ella canta una canción para ti.
Possessive pronouns indicate possession/belonging. We differentiate between dependent and independent possessive pronouns.
- Example:
- Es mi maleta. (dependent)
Es la mía. (independent)
The reflexive pronouns are me, te, se, nos, os. We use them with reflexive verbs. Reflexive pronouns always refer to the subject.
- Example:
- Me miro en el espejo.
Relative pronouns introduce relative clauses.
- Example:
- La policía busca al hombre que atracó el banco.
The interrogative pronouns are qué, quién and cuál. We use them to formulate questions.
- Example:
- ¿Quién ha dicho eso?
- ¿Qué ha dicho?
Demonstrative pronouns include este, ese and aquel. We use demonstrative pronouns to point out something specific.
- Example:
- ¿Qué coche quiere comprar, este o aquel?
Some of the Spanish indefinite pronouns are algo, alguien, cualquiera, nada, ningún. We use them to generalise. There are two types of indefinite pronouns: dependent and independent.
- Example:
- No tengo ningún libro. (dependent)
- ¿Puedes prestarme alguno? (independent)
