# 17. Direct Object Pronouns

> Source: [video link](https://youtube.com/watch?v=YHDZSHCt1DE&t=3806s)

A direct object pronoun (DOP) replaces the direct object noun in a sentence — the thing or person directly receiving the action of the verb. In Spanish, DOPs come **before** the conjugated verb, or attach to the **end** of an infinitive or gerund.

## Key Rules
- A DOP replaces the direct object so you don't have to repeat the noun.
- DOPs go **before** a conjugated verb: *Yo lo compro* (I buy it).
- They can attach to the **end of an infinitive**: *Voy a comprarlo*.
- They can attach to the **end of a gerund** (present participle), in which case you must add a written accent to keep the original stress: *Estoy comprándolo*.
- You **cannot** attach a DOP to a fully conjugated verb. *Yo compro lo* is wrong.
- The "personal **a**" precedes a human direct object: *Ella mira a Juan*.
- **lo, la, los, las** agree in gender and number with the noun they replace.

## Conjugation / Pattern Tables

### Direct Object Pronouns

| English | Singular | English | Plural |
|---|---|---|---|
| me | me | us | nos |
| you (informal) | te | y'all (Spain) | os |
| him / it (m) / you (Ud.) | lo | them (m) / you (Uds.) | los |
| her / it (f) / you (Ud. f) | la | them (f) | las |

### Placement options

| Construction | Form 1 (before verb) | Form 2 (attached to infinitive/gerund) |
|---|---|---|
| Simple verb | Yo lo compro. | — |
| Modal + infinitive | Yo lo puedo ver. | Yo puedo verlo. |
| ir a + infinitive | Yo lo voy a leer. | Yo voy a leerlo. |
| Present progressive | Tú me estás mirando. | Tú estás mirándome. |

## Examples

| Spanish | English |
|---------|---------|
| Yo compro un coche. → Yo lo compro. | I buy a car. → I buy it. |
| Quiero los libros. → Los quiero. | I want the books. → I want them. |
| Ellos tienen una casa. → Ellos la tienen. | They have a house. → They have it. |
| Yo te amo. | I love you. |
| Tú nos miras. | You watch us. |
| Ella mira a Juan. → Ella lo mira. | She watches Juan. → She watches him. |
| Yo te puedo ver. / Yo puedo verte. | I can see you. |
| Ellos los quieren comprar. / Ellos quieren comprarlos. | They want to buy them. |
| Yo lo voy a leer. / Yo voy a leerlo. | I'm going to read it. |
| Tú me estás mirando. / Tú estás mirándome. | You are watching me. |
| Ellos lo están leyendo. / Ellos están leyéndolo. | They are reading it. |

## Notes & Gotchas
- A DOP **cannot** attach to a single conjugated verb — only to infinitives, gerunds, and affirmative commands.
- When you attach a pronoun to a gerund, add an accent over the original stressed vowel: *mirándome*, *leyéndolo*.
- Use the **personal a** before a person who is the direct object: *Veo a María* — but the DOP itself is still **la** (*La veo*).
- **lo** can also act as a neuter "it" referring to an idea: *Lo sé* (I know it).
- In some Spain dialects, **le** is used instead of **lo** for masculine people (called *leísmo*).