# 30. Reciprocal Reflexive Verbs

> Source: [A Complete Guide To Every Fundamental In Spanish (The Conclusion)](https://youtube.com/watch?v=YHDZSHCt1DE&t=8149s)

Reciprocal reflexives express an action two or more subjects do **to each other / one another**. Because they need a plural subject, they only use the plural reflexive pronouns **nos**, **os**, and **se**.

## Key Rules
- Use only plural reflexive pronouns: **nos** (we), **os** (vosotros), **se** (ellos/ellas/ustedes).
- The verb is conjugated normally for the plural subject.
- Whenever you see *se* (or *nos*, *os*) before a plural-subject verb, it can mean "each other".
- Works in all tenses (present, preterite, imperfect, progressive…).
- Almost any verb can be made reciprocal if the context allows two-or-more subjects.

## Conjugation / Pattern Tables

### Reciprocal pronouns
| Subject | Pronoun |
|---|---|
| nosotros | nos |
| vosotros | os |
| ellos / ellas / ustedes | se |

### Common reciprocal verbs
| Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ayudarse | to help each other |
| abrazarse | to hug each other |
| saludarse | to greet each other |
| encontrarse | to meet/encounter each other |
| verse | to see each other |
| conocerse | to know / meet each other |
| escucharse | to listen to each other |

## Examples
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Nosotros ayudamos. | We help. |
| Nos ayudamos. | We help each other. |
| Ellos abrazan. | They hug. |
| Ellos se abrazan. | They hug each other. |
| Estamos escuchando. | We are listening. |
| Nos estamos escuchando. | We are listening to each other. |
| John y yo conocimos a María. | John and I met María. |
| John y yo nos conocimos. | John and I met (each other). |
| Los amigos saludaron. | The friends greeted (someone). |
| Los amigos se saludaron. | The friends greeted each other. |
| Nos encontramos en el cine cuando nos vimos. | We met at the cinema when we saw each other. |

## Notes & Gotchas
- Singular reflexive pronouns (me, te) cannot be reciprocal — at least two subjects are required.
- The same form can be reflexive ("they wash themselves") or reciprocal ("they wash each other"); context decides.
- For clarity you can add *el uno al otro* / *los unos a los otros* to force the reciprocal reading.
