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How to spot the indirect object in Spanish
Publicado el 15 de febrero de 2025 por Cecilia N.
What is an indirect object and how to identify it?
Although there isn’t a single definition that covers all uses and functions of the indirect object (I.O.), known as complemento indirecto (C.I.) in Spanish, we can generally say that it indicates who receives, benefits from, is affected by, or experiences an action or situation indirectly. In contrast, the direct object (D.O.) or complemento directo (C.D.), is the element that directly receives the action of the verb.
Example:
Mi abuela me tejió un suéter.
My grandmother knitted me a sweater.
Complemento directo
¿Qué es lo tejido? → un suéter = C.D
What is the thing that was knitted? → a sweater = D.O
“Un suéter” is the direct object because it is the item that directly receives the action of knitting.
Complemento indirecto
¿Quien recibe lo tejido? → yo (me) = C.I
Who is the recipient of the knitted item? → Me = I.O
In this case, the indirect object (me) shows that I am the person who benefits from the action of knitting the sweater, even though I am not the one directly receiving the action of knitting.
Other examples:
◼︎Complemento directo
◼︎Complemento indirecto
Rebeca me hizo un favor.
Rebeca did me a favor.
El mecánico le puso aceite al motor.
The mechanic put oil in the engine.
Juan les preparó una cena a sus amigos.
Juan cooked dinner for his friends.
La empresa le cambió el nombre al producto.
The company changed the name of the product.
El repartidor le entregó el paquete a María.
The mailman delivered the package to María.
Le agregamos huevos a la tortilla.
We added eggs to the tortilla.
El banco nos concedió un préstamo.
The bank granted us a loan.
El carpintero le hizo unos arreglos a la mesa.
The carpenter made some repairs to the table.
Voy a enviarte un correo.
I’m going to send you an e-mail.
El técnico le instaló un software al computador.
The technician installed software on the computer.
Le di las llaves del carro a Juan antes de salir.
I gave the car keys to Juan before leaving.
¡Atención!
When the indirect object is duplicated in a sentence, it’s always preceded by the preposition “a”.
Juan les preparó una cena a sus amigos.
Juan cooked dinner for his friends.
El repartidor le entregó el paquete a María.
The mailman delivered the package to María.
El mecánico le puso aceite al motor.
The mechanic put oil in the engine.
“Al” is the combination of the preposition “a” and the masculine definite article “el”.
“El motor” is a singular masculine noun, so we say:
✔︎ El mecánico le puso aceite al motor.
But we don’t say:
✘ El mecánico le puso aceite a el motor.
Ejercicio #1
Why avoid using “para” when identifying the indirect object?
It’s often said that the indirect object can be introduced with the preposition “para”; however, this idea has been debated, as “a” and “para” serve different functions.
- “A” indicates who is indirectly affected by the action of the verb (indirect object).
- “Para” indicates the recipient or purpose of the action, but it is not an indirect object in the strict sense.
Since a sentence cannot have two indirect objects, differentiating these functions is key to avoiding confusion, especially in structures with both prepositions:
Example:
Carlos le compró un ramo de flores a Doña Anita para su mujer, que está de cumpleaños.
Carlos bought a bouquet of flowers from Doña Anita for his wife, who is celebrating her birthday.
If we ask “¿para quién compró las flores Carlos?”, the answer would be “para su mujer,” which could lead us to confuse it with the indirect object. However, the real indirect object is “Doña Anita.”
Carlos bought the flowers from the seller, not from his wife, but for her.
“Para su mujer” is, on the other hand, a complemento circunstancial de destinatario.
◼︎Complemento indirecto
◼︎Complemento directo
◼︎Complemento circunstancial de destinatario
Carlos le compró un ramo de flores a Doña Anita para su mujer que está de cumpleaños.
Carlos bought a bouquet of flowers from Doña Anita for his wife, who is celebrating her birthday.
Another argument points out that the preposition “a” introduces an indirect object, which can be duplicated with the pronoun “le.” On the other hand, “para” doesn’t allow this duplication.
✔︎ Carlos le compró un ramo de flores a Doña Anita.
✘ Carlos le compró un ramo de flores para su mujer.
✔︎ Carlos compró un ramo de flores para su mujer.
What are indirect object pronouns?
Indirect object pronouns help us introduce or replace an indirect object.
A: ¿Le celebraste el cumpleaños a tu esposo?
Did you celebrate your husband’s birthday?
B: Sí, le preparé una cena especial y le di un regalo.
Yes, I cooked him a special dinner and gave him a gift.
In the first sentence (A), the indirect object pronoun “le” introduces the indirect object “a tu esposo.”
In the second sentence (B), “le” is replacing the previously mentioned indirect object.
Let’s look at another example:
A: Dale un tetero a la bebé, por favor.
Give the baby a bottle, please.
B: Le voy a cambiar el pañal primero.
I’ll change her diaper first.
In the first sentence (A), “a la bebé” is the indirect object, introduced by “le,” which is attached to the imperative “da.” In the second sentence (B), the indirect object doesn’t appear explicitly, but it’s represented by the pronoun “le.”
Types of indirect object pronouns
There are two types of indirect object pronouns in Spanish: átonos and tónicos.
Pronombres átonos
These pronouns function as indirect objects in a sentence. They are usually placed before the conjugated verb or attached to the end of an infinitive, gerund, or affirmative imperative.
Laura me dio una buena noticia durante la cena.
Laura gave me some good news during dinner.
A: ¿Le dijiste a Juanita del plan del fin de semana?
Did you tell Juanita about the plan for the weekend?
B: Sí, yo le dije.
Yes, I told her.
Señor, no recuerdo si le entregué el cambio.
I don’t recall if I gave you the change, sir.
A: No le avisé a Nicolás de la hora de la reunión.
I didn’t inform Nicolas about the meeting time
B: ¡Avísale!
Let him know!
Te compré el videojuego que querías.
I bought you the video game you wanted.
Nuestros amigos nos prepararon una sorpresa.
Our friends prepared a surprise for us.
El director os ha asignado nuevas responsabilidades.
The director has assigned you new responsibilities.
A: ¿Ana y Sofía quieren algo de tomar?
Do Ana and Sofia want something to drink?
B: Voy a preguntarles.
I’ll ask them.
¿A ustedes les importa si abro la ventana?
Do you mind if I open the window?
Ejercicio #2
Pronombres tónicos
They are used to give greater emphasis or clarity when the context requires it. Most of these pronouns match the subject pronouns, but they are preceded by the preposition “a.”
A mí no me gusta el chisme.
I don’t like gossip.
¿A ti ya te dieron los documentos para firmar?
Did they already give you the documents to sign?
A él no le parece que debamos aceptar la oferta.
He doesn’t think we should accept the offer.
Le entregué la carpeta directamente a ella.
I handed the folder directly to her.
¿Y a usted ya le ofrecieron algo de tomar?
Have they already offered you something to drink?
A nosotros nos preocupa el futuro del país.
We’re worried about the country’s future.
A vosotras no os interesa esto, ¿no?
You aren’t interested in this, are you?
A ellas les indigna la injusticia en el mundo.
They are outraged by the injustice in the world.
A ustedes les advirtieron que iba a haber despidos.
You were warned that there would be layoffs.
¡Atención!
These pronouns are used only to refer to people, not things.
A: ¿Le cambiaste el líquido refrigerante al motor?
Did you change the coolant on the engine?
✘ B: No, a él solo le cambié el aceite.
✔︎ B: No, solo le cambié el aceite.
No, I just changed the oil.
Ejercicio #3
Duplication of indirect object pronouns
1. The duplication of the indirect object is a common feature in Spanish and consists of using a pronombre átono (me, te, le, nos, os, les) along with an indirect object introduced by “a” or a pronombre tónico (a mí, a ti, a él, a ella, a usted, a nosotros/as, a vosotros/as, a ellos/as, a ustedes) within the same sentence.
No le avisé a Nicolás de la hora de la reunión.
I didn’t inform Nicolas about the meeting time.
No le avisé a él de la hora de la reunión.
I didn’t inform him about the meeting time.
2. The pronombres átonos must be used when there is an indirect object introduced by “a” or a pronombre tónico in the sentence.
✔︎ No le avisé a Nicolás de la hora de la reunión.
✘ No avisé a Nicolás de la hora de la reunión.
I didn’t inform Nicolas about the meeting time.
✔︎ No le avisé a él de la hora de la reunión.
✘ No avisé a él de la hora de la reunión.
I didn’t inform him about the meeting time.
3. The pronombres átonos can exist on their own in a sentence if the indirect object they refer to is clear or has been mentioned previously.
¿Le avisaste de la hora de la reunión?
Did you inform him about the meeting time?
4. The duplication of the pronombre átono can be optional with verbs that express destination, reception, or transmission of information, as long as the indirect object comes after the verb. However, not using it might sound unnatural to some Spanish speakers.
✔︎ Entregué las llaves del apartamento a la inmobiliaria.
✔︎ Le entregué las llaves del apartamento a la inmobiliaria.
I handed over the keys to the apartment to the agency.
✔︎ La profesora enseñó a los estudiantes nuevas palabras en español.
✔︎ La profesora les enseñó a los estudiantes nuevas palabras en español.
The teacher taught the students new words in Spanish.
✔︎ La mujer dio explicaciones a las autoridades sobre el dinero faltante.
✔︎ La mujer les dio explicaciones a las autoridades sobre el dinero faltante.
The woman explained to the authorities about the missing money.
Ejercicio #4
Placement of indirect object pronouns
Átonos
1. Before the conjugated verb in affirmative or negative sentences.
El vendedor ya nos mandó el paquete.
The seller already sent us the package.
¡No le digas!
Don’t tell him!
2. Attached to the end of an infinitive, gerund, or affirmative imperative, or before the auxiliary verb in verbal periphrases with an infinitive or gerund.
Tengo que preguntarles. (Infinitive)
I have to ask them.
Voy a preguntarles. (Verbal periphrasis with an infinitive)
Les voy a preguntar. (Verbal periphrasis with an infinitive)
I’m going to ask them.
¿Qué estás diciéndome? (Verbal periphrasis with a gerund)
¿Qué me estás diciendo? (Verbal periphrasis with a gerund)
What are you telling me?
Dale un tetero a la bebé. (Affirmative imperative)
Give the baby a bottle.
A verbal periphrasis is a structure with two or more verbs that work together as a single unit of meaning. It usually consists of a conjugated auxiliary verb and a main verb in the infinitive, gerund, or participle.
Les voy a preguntar.
Voy a preguntarles.
¿Qué estás diciéndome?
¿Qué me estás diciendo?
Ejercicio #5
Tónicos
The placement of these pronouns is flexible, but they are typically positioned as follows:
1. At the end of a sentence.
Le entregué la carpeta directamente a ella.
I handed the folder directly to her.
2. Before the pronombre átono.
A ellas les indigna la injusticia en el mundo.
They are outraged by the injustice in the world.
3. Before “no” or an adverb.
A él no le parece que debamos aceptar la oferta.
He doesn’t think we should accept the offer.
¿Y a usted ya le ofrecieron algo de tomar?
Have they already offered you something to drink?
Placement of indirect and direct object pronouns in the same sentence
1. The indirect object pronoun always goes before the direct object pronoun.
A: ¿Dónde están las cervezas?
Where are the beers?
B: El guardia me las quitó en la entrada.
The security guard took them from me at the entrance.
A: ¿Mi mamá hizo la cena hoy?
Did mom make dinner today?
B: Sí, nos la guardó en la nevera.
Yes, she put it in the fridge.
A: ¿Puedo traerle los resultados mañana?
Can I bring the results tomorrow?
B: No, no me los traiga mañana, mejor la próxima semana.
No, don’t bring them tomorrow. Bring them next week.
2. Similarly, in affirmative imperative sentences, the indirect object pronoun precedes the direct object pronoun, but both are attached to the verb.
Tráigamelos la próxima semana.
Bring them next week.
Cómpramelas mamá, por favor.
Buy them for me, Mom, please.
This also happens with sentences containing infinitives and gerunds.
Puede traérmelos mañana.
You can bring them tomorrow.
Mi mamá está comprándomelas en la tienda.
My mom is buying them for me at the store.
3. Alternatively, these pronouns can be placed before the first verb in the sentence.
Me los puede traer mañana.
You can bring them tomorrow.
Mi mamá me las está comprando en la tienda.
My mom is buying them for me at the store.
When “le” and “les” become “se”
To avoid cacophony (combinations of unpleasant or hard-to-pronounce sounds), the indirect object pronouns “le” and “les” are replaced by “se” when they precede direct object pronouns (lo, los, la, las).
Let’s take a look at the following example:
✘ Cuando traiga los resultados, entréguelelos a la recepcionista.
When you bring the results, give them to the receptionist.
In this example, “le” is an indirect object pronoun that refers to “a la recepcionista,” the person receiving the results. “Los,” on the other hand, is a direct object pronoun that replaces “los resultados,” the object being given.
To make the sentence correct, the substitution rule is applied: change “le/les” to “se.” Therefore, “entréguelelos a la recepcionista” becomes “entrégueselos a la recepcionista.”
Cuando traiga los resultados, entrégueselos a la recepcionista.
When you bring the results, give them to the receptionist.
Other examples:
✘ No olvides empacar los tomates y entregárlelos a tus abuelos.
✔︎ No olvides empacar los tomates y entregárselos a tus abuelos.
Don’t forget to pack the tomatoes and give them to your grandparents.
✘ ¿Recuerdas la pulsera que vimos? Le la voy a comprar a Juanita de cumpleaños.
✔︎ ¿Recuerdas la pulsera que vimos? Se la voy a comprar a Juanita de cumpleaños.
Remember the bracelet we saw? I’m going to buy for Juanita for her birthday.
✘ No tenemos cervezas porque el guardia le las quitó a Pedro en la entrada.
✔︎ No tenemos cervezas porque el guardia se las quitó a Pedro en la entrada.
We don’t have any beers because the guard took them from Pedro at the entrance.
✘ Es un secreto. No le lo cuentes a nadie.
✔︎ Es un secreto. No se lo cuentes a nadie.
It’s a secret. Don’t tell anyone.
To avoid confusing the reflexive “se” with the “se” that replaces indirect object pronouns, it’s important to understand the context and specific functions of these pronouns in a sentence.
Let’s take a look at the following example:
Marta se probó el vestido de novia y luego se lo mostró a su mamá.
Marta tried on the wedding dress and then showed it to her mom.
In this sentence, the first “se” is part of the conjugation of the reflexive verb “probarse.”
On the other hand, the second “se” replaces the pronoun “le” because “le” cannot combine with a direct object pronoun like “lo” (which replaces “el vestido de novia”).
◼︎Reflexive verb
◼︎Direct object
◼︎Indirect object pronoun (replaces “le”)
◼︎Direct object pronoun
◼︎Indirect object
Marta se probó el vestido de novia y luego se lo mostró a su mamá.
Marta tried on the wedding dress and then showed it to her mom.
Ejercicio #6
⭐
Learning a language can be tricky, but with the right approach, it’s much easier! If indirect objects are giving you a headache, don’t worry, we’ll clear everything up in our private lessons. Book a lesson, and we’ll work through it all!
Cecilia N. – Spanish as a Foreign Language Teacher
Cecilia has over ten years of experience teaching Spanish to students from all over the world.
She graduated from La Salle University with a degree in Spanish, English, and French. Originally from Colombia, she shares her passion for teaching while traveling and connecting with learners globally.