Inklingo

How to Say "him" in Spanish

English → Spanish

lo

/loh//lo/

PronounA1General
Use 'lo' as the direct object pronoun when referring to a male person or a masculine object that 'him' replaces.
An illustration showing how the word 'lo' can be used to replace a masculine noun, like 'el libro' (the book).

Examples

¿Viste a Juan? Sí, lo vi.

Did you see Juan? Yes, I saw him.

¿Tienes el libro? Sí, lo tengo.

Do you have the book? Yes, I have it.

Vi a tu amigo en el parque. Lo saludé.

I saw your friend in the park. I said hello to him.

Si quieres el coche, cómpralo.

If you want the car, buy it.

Replacing Masculine Things

Use 'lo' to replace a single masculine noun (one that uses 'el') that receives the action of a verb. It's the Spanish way of saying 'it' or 'him' in these situations.

Where Does 'lo' Go?

'Lo' usually goes right before the verb. For example, 'Lo compro' (I buy it). If you have two verbs together, it can also attach to the end of the second one: 'Voy a comprarlo' (I'm going to buy it).

Using 'lo' for Feminine Things

Mistake: “Vi la película y lo recomendé.”

Correction: Vi la película y la recomendé. (I saw the movie and I recommended it.) Remember that 'lo' is for masculine things ('el'). For feminine things ('la'), you need to use 'la'.

le

/leh//le/

PronounB2General (Regional variation for direct object)
Use 'le' as an indirect object pronoun, or sometimes as a direct object for a male person in certain regions, particularly when the person is the recipient of an action.
A drawing of a person looking through a telescope at a man on a distant hill, representing a direct action toward a male person.

Examples

Le di el libro a Pedro.

I gave the book to him (Pedro).

Le vi en el parque ayer.

I saw him in the park yesterday.

A tu hermano no le conozco.

I don't know your brother.

What is 'Leísmo'?

Leísmo is a regional habit of using le where most other Spanish speakers would use lo. This almost only happens when talking about a man who is receiving the action directly.

Is it Correct?

Spain's official language academy accepts using le for a male person (Le vi for 'I saw him'). However, using le for a thing (el coche... le vi) is considered incorrect everywhere.

Using 'Leísmo' in Latin America

Mistake: “Using `le vi` to mean 'I saw him' while in Mexico or Colombia.”

Correction: This will sound incorrect in Latin America. There, you should stick to `lo` for direct actions on a male person: `Lo vi`.

él

PronounA1General
Use 'él' as a subject pronoun, meaning 'he', when 'him' is acting as the subject of the verb, often following prepositions.

Examples

Este regalo es para él.

This gift is for him.

Direct vs. Indirect Object Pronouns

The most common mistake is confusing 'lo' (direct object) and 'le' (indirect object). Remember that 'lo' typically receives the action directly, while 'le' often indicates to whom or for whom the action is done. While 'le' can sometimes be used as a direct object, especially regionally, 'lo' is the standard direct object pronoun for a male.

Related Translations

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