Double Object Pronouns (Se lo doy)

Spanish: Pronombres de Objeto Dobles (Se lo doy)

Level: A2 Elementary

Category: pronouns

Explanation

When a sentence has both an indirect object and a direct object, we can replace both with pronouns. For example, in "I give the book to María" ("Doy el libro a María"), "the book" is the direct object and "to María" is the indirect object. If we replace both, we say "Se lo doy" (I give it to her). The order is always: indirect object pronoun first, then direct object pronoun (Indirect + Direct). The most important rule is this: when the indirect pronoun "le" or "les" is followed by a direct pronoun starting with "l" (lo, la, los, las), the "le/les" changes to "se". That is why we do not say "le lo doy" but "se lo doy". This change is obligatory and exists simply to make the phrase easier to pronounce. Regarding position, the two pronouns always stay together and are never separated. They go before a conjugated verb ("Se lo doy"), or they can attach to the end of an infinitive ("Voy a dárselo" - I am going to give it to him), a gerund ("Estoy dándoselo" - I am giving it to him), or an affirmative command ("¡Dáselo!" - Give it to him!). When we attach them to the verb, we often need to add a written accent to keep the original stress. These pronouns are extremely useful in daily life to avoid repeating words. In a shop, a café, or a hotel, you will use them constantly: "¿Me lo trae, por favor?" (Will you bring it to me, please?), "Te las recomiendo" (I recommend them to you), "Se lo explico ahora mismo" (I will explain it to you right now).

Examples

¿Me lo trae con leche, por favor? - Will you bring it to me with milk, please?
El camarero se lo sirve al cliente enseguida. - The waiter serves it to the customer right away.
La llave de la habitación, ¿me la da? - The room key, will you give it to me?
Claro, ahora mismo se la doy. - Of course, I will give it to you right now.
Estas naranjas están muy buenas, te las recomiendo. - These oranges are very good, I recommend them to you.