Reflexivos using get: ponerse, volverse, hacerse, quedarse

Overview

Use these reflexive verbs to talk about becoming, getting, or ending up in a new state. The best verb depends on whether the change is temporary, sudden, chosen, gradual, or a final result.

• Me pongo nervioso antes del examen. → I get nervous before the exam.
• Ella se hizo doctora. → She became a doctor.

Cómo/cuándo lo usamos

Temporary changes

Use ponerse for a change in mood, health, color, or temporary condition.

• Tú te pones rojo cuando hablas. → You get red when you speak.
• Nos ponemos contentos con buenas noticias. → We get happy with good news.

Bigger or lasting changes

Use volverse for a strong change in personality or character, and hacerse for a chosen or gradual identity change.

• Él se volvió más paciente. → He became more patient.
• Mi hermana se hizo abogada. → My sister became a lawyer.

Final results

Use quedarse when someone ends up in a state after an event.

• Me quedé sin palabras. → I was left speechless.
• Ellos se quedaron tranquilos. → They became calm.

Estructura

Oraciones.

Afirmativas

• Me pongo nervioso en entrevistas. → I get nervous in interviews.
• Ella se volvió famosa. → She became famous.
• Nos hicimos amigos. → We became friends.
• Tú te quedaste callado. → You became quiet.

Negativas

• No me pongo triste fácilmente. → I do not get sad easily.
• Él no se volvió arrogante. → He did not become arrogant.
• Nosotros no nos hicimos ricos. → We did not become rich.
• Ellas no se quedaron solas. → They were not left alone.

Forma de pregunta

• ¿Te pones nervioso? → Do you get nervous?
• ¿Ella se volvió seria? → Did she become serious?
• ¿Ustedes se hicieron amigos? → Did you all become friends?
• ¿Nos quedamos listos? → Did we end up ready?

Ejercicios

Wrap Up