No Garry. The "backwards verbs" (gustar, encantar, interesar, etc) are not reflexive verbs. Reflexive verbs are those that use a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se). With a reflexive verb, the subject and the object are the same; the subject performs an action on himself/herself. Lots of verbs about routine are reflexive: "Me lavo" (I wash MYSELF), "Se ducha" (He showers HIMSELF).
Verbs like gustar or encantar are NOT reflexive. These verbs are intransitive verbs and the pronouns they use are not reflexive, but indirect object pronouns. For example:
"Me gusta la paella" --> Paella pleases ME. (me= indirect object pronoun)
"Le encanta el cine" --> Cinema pleases HIM/HER (le= indirect object pronoun)
Saludos
Inma
Is there any "history" as to why these verbs are "inverted" as: "you are liked by me" instead of "I like you"?
I am not sure about the origin of these structures in Spanish but there is this theory explained here that could be the reason why they started http://multilingualsociety.org/encantar-origin-of-backwards-verbs/
Saludos
Inma
Thanks Inma,
You are a wealth of information and while the "theory" doesn't make it any easier to learn all of the backwards verbs it helps to understand them. Now, does the term "backwards verbs" in any way relate to reflexive verbs"?
No Garry. The "backwards verbs" (gustar, encantar, interesar, etc) are not reflexive verbs. Reflexive verbs are those that use a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se). With a reflexive verb, the subject and the object are the same; the subject performs an action on himself/herself. Lots of verbs about routine are reflexive: "Me lavo" (I wash MYSELF), "Se ducha" (He showers HIMSELF).
Verbs like gustar or encantar are NOT reflexive. These verbs are intransitive verbs and the pronouns they use are not reflexive, but indirect object pronouns. For example:
"Me gusta la paella" --> Paella pleases ME. (me= indirect object pronoun)
"Le encanta el cine" --> Cinema pleases HIM/HER (le= indirect object pronoun)
Saludos
Inma
Thanks, Inma
Clear, concise, educational.
Garry
Is there any "history" as to why these verbs are "inverted" as: "you are liked by me" instead of "I like you"?
Sign in to submit your answer
Don't have an account yet? Join today