Spanish verbs that use reflexive pronouns are called pronominal verbs. Sometimes these verbs are used to intensify the meaning of the verb. When we use a pronominal verb in the present participle, infinitive or affirmative command form along with a direct object pronoun, there is a specific order to these pronouns. Here are some examples:
With an infinitive
The reflexive pronouns are "me" and "te" and the direct object pronoun referring to "book" and "hair" is "lo".
With a present participle
The reflexive pronouns are "se" and "te" and the direct object pronoun is "las" in both, referring to "glasses of wine" and "crisps".
As you can see, with both the infinitive and the present participle, we've attached the pronouns to the end of the infinitive and present participle form. When doing so, you will notice that the verbs with the pronouns attached now have an accent, because they have become longer words and are still stressed on the same syllable as before without the pronouns attached; therefore they need a written accent as per rules for accentuation.
However we can also place them right in front of the whole verbal structure, separated from the verb. Have a look:
With an infinitive
With a present participle
Notice how the pronouns are placed in front of the "whole" structure. You cannot break the verbal structure placing any pronoun in between. This would be incorrect:
"Estás te las comiendo todas."
"Está se las bebiendo todas."
"Quiero me lo leer pronto."
Also notice that in all the examples above we always place the reflexive pronoun first and then the direct object pronoun. This is the order to follow, regardless of whether you place them at the end attached to the present participle or in front of the structure.
With an affirmative command
Carlitos, hace calor y tienes la chaqueta puesta. ¡Quítatela!Carlitos, it is hot and you have your jacket on. Take it off! [you=tú]
With affirmative commands, the only place for the pronouns is attached to the end. They cannot be detached from the verb. As with the present participle and infinitive, the order is still the same: first the reflexive pronoun and then the direct object pronoun.
Bear in mind that in English reflexive pronouns are not used like this, to reinforce the meaning of the verb. Therefore reflexive pronouns will be missing from the English translations.
There is an idiomatic expression that is very commonly used in Spanish to say having a good time. This expression "pasárselo bien" is using a pronominal verb and a direct object pronoun "lo". Here are some examples of this expression using the infinitive, the present participle and the affirmative command:
You can place pronouns either in front of a whole verbal structure with an infinitive or a present participle (detached) or at the end after the infinitive or present participle (attached).
You can only place pronouns at the end of an affirmative command (attached).
In any case: the reflexive pronoun is always first, followed by the direct object pronoun.
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