Question

Explain how to show reciprocal actions in Spanish, and provide at least one example. (4 points)

Answer 1

In Spanish, reciprocal actions are shown using either reflexive verbs or expressions that imply mutual participation in an action. This is commonly done with the use of reflexive pronouns (nos, os, se) to indicate that two or more subjects are performing an action on each other.

### How to Show Reciprocal Actions:

1. **Use Reflexive Verbs**: Many verbs can be made reciprocal by using reflexive pronouns. The subjects perform the action on one another.

2. **Use the Plural Form**: Typically, reciprocal actions involve at least two people, so you'll be using plural forms.

3. **Common Structure**: The structure usually follows:
- **Subject + reflexive pronoun + verb (in the appropriate tense) + complement**.

4. **Pronouns**:
- **Nos** - for "we" (nosotros)
- **Os** - for "you all" (vosotros)
- **Se** - for "they" (ellos/ellas) or formal "you" (ustedes)

### Example:

- **"Ellos se abrazan."**
- Translation: "They hug each other."

In this example, "se" indicates the reciprocal action (hugging each other). Both subjects (ellos) are performing the action mutually.

Another example could be:

- **"Nos escribimos cartas."**
- Translation: "We write letters to each other."

Here, "nos" indicates that the action of writing letters is being done reciprocally between "we" (nosotros).