One thing that I have noticed about Spanish reflexive verbs is that when you use a non-reflexive verb when you should have used a reflexive verb, you can completely change the meaning of what you intended to say – and vice versa.

Here’s one example that happens with the verb “aprovechar.”

How To Say To Take Advantage of Someone In Spanish

“aprovechar(se) de” means to take advantage of in a negative way.

Los guerrillas se aprovecharon de los secuestrados.
The guerrillas took advantage of the hostages.

How To Say To Take Advantage In Spanish

On the hand “aprovechar (algo)” means to make use of or take advantage of in a good way.

Voy a aprovechar mi tiempo en Colombia.
I am going to make the best use of my time in Colombia.

Here’s an example of the confusion that can be caused with the verb “despedir.”

“Despedir a alguien” means to fire someone.

Despedí a Carlos.
I fired Carlos.

But “despedir(se) de alguien” means to say good bye.

Me voy a despedir de Luis.
I am going to say good-bye to Lewis.

By the way, if you are speaking informally, if you want to say to fire someone you can also use the verb “echar.


Lo echaron por llegar tarde todas las mañanas.
Lo despidieron por llegar tarde todas las mañanas.

They fired him for being late each morning.

Reflexive Verbs and Nonreflexive Verbs in Spanish

So this concludes today’s blog post on the topic of Reflexive Verbs and Nonreflexive Verbs in Spanish.

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