asegurarnos
/a-se-goo-RAR-nos/
to make sure (ourselves)
To illustrate 'asegurarnos' meaning 'to make sure ourselves,' this image shows a character verifying the security of a fence post.
asegurarnos(verb)
to make sure (ourselves)
?ensuring or verifying a fact
,to ensure (ourselves)
?taking necessary steps
to check (ourselves)
?checking details for verification
📝 In Action
Debemos asegurarnos de que la puerta esté cerrada antes de salir.
A2We must make sure the door is closed before leaving.
Queremos asegurarnos de entender todas las instrucciones.
B1We want to ensure we understand all the instructions.
Antes de firmar, necesitamos asegurarnos de que todo esté correcto.
B2Before signing, we need to guarantee that everything is correct.
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive Infinitive Form
This word is the base verb 'asegurar' plus the pronoun 'nos' (ourselves) attached to the end. It means 'to ensure or guarantee something for us.'
Placement Rule
We use this form when the action is directed back at the group performing it, usually after another conjugated verb (e.g., 'poder', 'deber', 'querer').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting 'de'
Mistake: "Tenemos que asegurarnos que está bien."
Correction: Tenemos que asegurarnos *de* que está bien. (The verb 'asegurarse' usually needs the small word 'de' before the next part of the sentence.)
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'We' Form
Remember that 'nos' always refers to 'nosotros' (we). If you wanted to say 'I need to make sure,' you would use 'asegurarme' (infinitive + me).
This image represents 'asegurarnos' meaning 'to insure ourselves,' showing a house protected from harm by an insurance barrier.
asegurarnos(verb)
to insure ourselves
?obtaining financial protection
to get insurance (for us)
?purchasing a policy
📝 In Action
Necesitamos asegurarnos contra posibles inundaciones.
B2We need to insure ourselves against possible floods.
Decidimos asegurarnos con la compañía más barata.
C1We decided to get insurance with the cheapest company.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Object Use
When used for insurance, 'asegurar' often takes a direct object (the thing being insured), and the reflexive pronoun 'nos' shows that we are the ones benefiting from or organizing the insurance.
⭐ Usage Tips
Contrasting Meanings
If you are talking about insurance, the phrase often includes 'contra' (against) or mentions the item being insured (e.g., 'el coche'). If you are talking about checking something, it uses 'de que'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: asegurarnos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'asegurarnos' to mean 'to make sure/check'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the pronoun 'nos' attached to the end of the verb?
When a Spanish verb is in its basic infinitive form (the '-ar, -er, or -ir' form), and it needs a pronoun like 'me,' 'te,' or 'nos,' that pronoun is attached directly to the end. This is common when the infinitive follows another conjugated verb (e.g., 'Podemos + asegurarnos').
Does 'asegurarnos' always require the word 'de' afterward?
For the meaning 'to make sure that...' (Definition 1), yes, it almost always requires 'de que' before the next part of the sentence. For the meaning 'to insure ourselves' (Definition 2), it often uses 'contra' (against) or directly names the thing being insured.