Forgetting the 'A'

When using 'refiere' to mean 'to refer to' or 'to be about,' it is almost always reflexive (se refiere) and must be followed by the preposition 'a'. Think of it as 'it refers itself to...'

The Essential 'Se' and 'A'

Use '¿A qué se refiere?' (What are you referring to?) frequently in conversation when you need someone to explain what they mean.

Asking for Clarification

Extremely common. This is the standard way to talk about what something is about or related to.

When 'refiere' is used without the 'se' (like 'él refiere'), it means 'he/she reports' or 'tells.' This is more direct and less common than the reflexive form.

Non-Reflexive Use

Save this meaning of 'refiere' for written documents, news reports, or very formal speech. In everyday conversation, use 'cuenta' (tells) or 'dice' (says) instead.

Formal Context

Less common, used mainly in formal writing, reports, or storytelling.

Learn the Spanish word 'refiere,' the third-person conjugation of 'referir.' Understand the key difference between the common reflexive use ('se refiere a' - refers to) and the formal non-reflexive use ('refiere' - reports).

refiere

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations