Why is this reflexive?

[Nex]

Hey,

I was reading a book and encountered this sentence:

Taffy encontro un sombrero y se lo dio a Tommy.

Taffy found a hat and gave it to tommy.

Now I am just wondering why is it reflexive?

Thanks

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by Nex

Taffy encontro un sombrero y se lo dio a Tommy.


Now I am just wondering why is it reflexive?

It isn't reflexive. The se is the form used for the indirect object (le or les) when used in combination with the direct object, lo.

And welcome.

[aleCcowaN]

Welcome to the forums!

Yes, like Perikles have said, "se" is just "le" in disguise. The sentence is really saying "Taffy encontró un sombrero y le lo dio a Tony", but some 600 or 700 years ago Spanish speakers came to the conclusion that way sounds awful and it was replaced by "se".