PSG 7 - Grammar I - Spanish Direct Object Nouns & Pronouns

Practical Spanish Grammar pg 116

I understand direct objects pretty well from high school. A direct object is the noun or pronoun that the verb directly acts upon, completing the meaning of the verb. And the Spanish usage seemed a little more complicated, but not unmanageable, that is until you start mixing in indirect object pronouns and reflexive pronouns.

In English the direct object nouns and pronouns always follow the verb. In Spanish, the direct object pronoun precedes the conjugated verb but may either precede or follow an infinitive verb or present participle (the form of the verb that ends in -ndo, often the equivalent of English verbs that end in “-ing”). The direct object follows an affirmative command but always precedes a negative command. When following the verbs, the direct object is always attached to it, forming one word.

Usted me entiende. (You understand me.)

Quiero verte. = Te quiero ver. (I want to see you.)

Estoy ayudándote = Te estoy ayudando (I am helping you.)

¡Dígame! (Tell me!)

Personal & Impersonal Direct Objects

In Spanish, if the direct object is a person or personified object the preposition a precedes the direct object.

Veo la casa. (I see the house.)

Veo a la niña. (I see the girl.)

If the person is indefinite, the a is omitted, “depersonalizing” the direct object and treating it more like a thing.

Veo al médico. ( I see the doctor.)

Necesito médico. (I need medical help.)