Grammar
Direct object pronouns in Spanish
Learn Spanish direct object pronouns lo, la, los and las with examples and placement rules.
Direct object pronouns replace what or whom receives the action directly.
Pattern and examples
Read the Spanish example first, then check the English meaning. The note explains what to notice.
| Pattern | Spanish example | English meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| lo | Lo veo. | I see it / him. | masculine singular |
| la | La veo. | I see it / her. | feminine singular |
| los | Los necesito. | I need them. | masculine plural |
| las | Las compro. | I buy them. | feminine plural |
| before conjugated verb | Lo quiero. | I want it. | standard placement |
| attached to infinitive | Quiero comprarlo. | I want to buy it. | optional placement |
How to study this grammar point
Spanish grammar becomes easier when you learn small sentence patterns. Repeat one example aloud, then change only the noun, verb or time expression.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using subject pronouns as objectsSay “lo veo”, not “veo él”.
- Ignoring gender of the objectUse “la” for a feminine object.
Make your own examples
Say three sentences aloud using one Spanish expression from this page. Then replace one word to make the sentence personal.
- Read the Spanish example slowly.
- Repeat it without looking at the English meaning.
- Change the person, time or place.
FAQ
What should I practice first?
Start by copying the examples aloud, then change one word at a time to make your own sentences.
Do I need perfect grammar to communicate?
No. Clear communication comes first, but these patterns help you sound more natural and avoid confusing mistakes.