consigovscon sí
/kohn-SEE-goh/
/kohn SEE/
💡 Quick Rule
Consigo = physically 'with' oneself. Con sí = mentally 'with' or 'about' oneself.
ConsiGO means you GO with something. Con SÍ is about your inner Self.
- This rule only applies to the third person (él, ella, ellos, etc.) and the formal 'usted'. For 'I' use 'conmigo' and for 'you (tú)' use 'contigo'.
📊 Comparison Table
| Context | consigo | con sí | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bringing an object | Llevó el libro consigo. | (Incorrect) | For physically taking something 'with' you, always use the one-word 'consigo'. |
| Internal Dialogue | (Incorrect) | Habla con sí mismo en voz alta. | For actions directed inward, like talking to oneself, use 'con sí mismo'. |
| Emotional State | (Incorrect) | Está en paz con sí misma. | To describe feelings about oneself, 'con sí misma' is the correct choice. |
| Abstract Consequence | El éxito trae consigo nuevos retos. | (Incorrect) | 'Consigo' is used when something 'brings with it' a result or consequence. |
✅ When to Use "consigo" / con sí
consigo
A single word meaning 'with himself', 'with herself', 'with themselves', or 'with you (formal)'. Used for physical accompaniment or abstract consequences.
/kohn-SEE-goh/
Physical accompaniment
Siempre lleva el paraguas consigo.
He always brings the umbrella with him.
Carrying something
No tengo dinero consigo.
I don't have any money with me.
Abstract consequences
El nuevo trabajo trae consigo mucha responsabilidad.
The new job brings with it a lot of responsibility.
con sí
Two words meaning 'with/to/about himself', 'herself', etc. Almost always followed by 'mismo/a'. Refers to internal thoughts, feelings, or actions directed at oneself.
/kohn SEE/
Internal thoughts or dialogue
Está hablando con sí mismo.
He is talking to himself.
Feelings about oneself
No está contenta con sí misma.
She is not happy with herself.
Reflexive actions of the mind
Tienes que ser honesto con sí mismo.
You (formal) have to be honest with yourself.
🔄 Contrast Examples
With "consigo":
El ladrón se llevó el dinero consigo.
The thief took the money with him.
With "con sí":
(This form is not used in this context)
The Difference: 'Consigo' is the only option for taking something physically. It combines 'con' (with) + 'sí' (him/her/them) into one word for this purpose.
With "consigo":
(This form is not used in this context)
With "con sí":
Tuvo una larga conversación con sí misma.
She had a long conversation with herself.
The Difference: 'Con sí' (almost always 'con sí mismo/a') is used when the action is internal or reflexive, like thinking, feeling, or talking to oneself.
🎨 Visual Comparison
'Consigo' is for bringing something *with* you. 'Con sí' is for thoughts or feelings *within* you.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Ella llevó el perro con sí.
Ella llevó el perro consigo.
When something physically accompanies a person, the correct word is 'consigo'. 'Con sí' is for internal states.
Él está enfadado consigo mismo.
Él está enfadado con sí mismo.
Even though it sounds similar, for feelings directed at oneself, the correct form is the two-word 'con sí mismo'.
Quiero hablar consigo.
Quiero hablar contigo.
'Consigo' is only for the third person (he/she/they) or formal 'usted'. For the informal 'you' (tú), you must use 'contigo'.
📚 Related Grammar
Want to understand the grammar behind this pair? Explore these lessons for a deep dive:
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: Consigo vs Con sí
Question 1 of 2
Choose the correct option: 'El presidente siempre viaja con sus guardaespaldas ____.'
🏷️ Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do 'conmigo' (with me) and 'contigo' (with you) exist, but we don't use 'consigo' for 'I' or 'you'?
It comes from Latin! 'Conmigo' and 'contigo' are special, fused forms that survived into modern Spanish. For all other reflexive cases (himself, herself, themselves, yourself-formal), Spanish uses the 'consigo' / 'con sí' structure.
Do I always need to add 'mismo' or 'misma' after 'con sí'?
In modern Spanish, yes, almost always. Using 'con sí' alone is very rare and can sound archaic. Phrases like 'hablar con sí mismo' or 'estar contento con sí misma' are the standard, natural way to express these ideas.