How to remember this??? Use the acronym RID, which stands for REFLEXIVE, INDIRECT, DIRECT.
No matter what combination of pronouns you have, this will tell you what order to put them in.
When might you have a reflexive verb with a direct or indiret object?
Example:
I wash my hands.
Me lavo las manos.
I wash them.
Me las lavo.
Reflexive first (me) then Direct Object (las [for las manos]).
There is no indirect object in this example. How do you know you are dealing with a reflexive verb and a direct object combo???
Well, ME LAVO is a reflexive verb (from the infinitive LAVARSE).
The D.O. is LAS MANOS becuase they are WHAT IS GETTING WASHED (washed being the main action of the sentence).
Whenever both pronouns begin with the letter "l" change the first pronoun to "se."
In Spanish, we don't like the double L sound created by LE LO, LE LA, etc.
Remember, "there is no LA-LA land in Spanish."
Always change the first pronoun to SE.
The best way to remember this is to learn this rhyme:
In Spanish, you can SAY LOW but you can't LAY LOW."
AKA: You can "se lo" but you can't "le lo"...
By extention, you can "se la," "se los," and "se las" :-)
But you cannot "le la," "le los" or "le las"
NO LA-LA Land (double L sound) in Spanish!!!
Remember we use SE with reflexive verbs...
Don't let that confuse you! Se is not an acceptable choice for an indirect object pronoun. It is merely USED in place of the correct pronoun (le or les).
a Juan.
a María.
a ella.
In sentences with two verbs, there are two options regarding the placement of the pronouns. Place them immediately before the conjugated verb or attach them directly to the infinitive.
In sentences with two verbs, there are two options regarding the placement of the direct object pronoun.
Here are the two methods side by side. Neither method is "better" than the other.
These same rules apply for questions and negative statements.
¿Lo debemos comprar?
¿Debemos comprarlo?
Should we buy it?
Juan no lo necesita lavar.
Juan no necesita lavarlo.
John doesn't need to wash it.