Spanish · B2 · Everyday language
What we do for one another in Spanish
This guide explores how to describe mutual relationships and support in Spanish, focusing on the reciprocal use of pronouns and the construction 'el uno al otro'.
What you'll learn
- Distinguish between reflexive and reciprocal actions
- Correctly place prepositions between 'el uno' and 'el otro'
- Use 'mutuamente' and 'entre sí' to express shared actions
- Express mutual support and communication in family contexts
Spanish phrases for what we do for one another
Podemos confiar el uno en el otro cuando las cosas se ponen difíciles.
We can rely on each other when things get difficult.
Notice 'en' is placed between 'el uno' and 'el otro' for the verb 'confiar en'.
Hablan entre ellos en lugar de hacerlo a través de mí.
They talk to each other rather than through me.
'Entre ellos' is a common way to express 'between/to each other'.
Deberíamos escucharnos el uno al otro antes de decidir.
We should listen to each other before deciding.
Using 'nos' plus 'el uno al otro' clarifies the action is reciprocal, not reflexive.
Parece que esperáis cosas muy distintas el uno del otro.
You seem to expect quite different things from each other.
'Del' is the contraction of 'de + el'.
Podemos aprender los unos de los otros a pesar de nuestros diferentes intereses.
We can learn from each other despite our different interests.
Pluralized 'los unos de los otros' is used when referring to a larger group.
Se pidieron disculpas mutuamente sin que nadie se lo pidiera.
They apologised to each other without being prompted.
'Mutuamente' functions as an adverb to emphasize the reciprocal nature.
No hay necesidad de competir entre sí todo el tiempo.
There is no need to compete with each other all the time.
'Entre sí' is a formal way to say 'among themselves' or 'each other'.
Estamos el uno para el otro, incluso cuando no estamos de acuerdo.
We are there for each other, even when we disagree.
'Estar el uno para el otro' is a common idiom for mutual support.
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
El uno al otro
Each other
The gender can change to 'la una a la otra' if both parties are female.
Mutuamente
Mutually / Each other
Often used with reflexive verbs to clarify reciprocity.
Entre sí
Among themselves / Each other
Commonly used with verbs of interaction or comparison.
Reciprocal Pronouns and Phrases
To express 'each other', Spanish uses a reflexive pronoun (nos, os, se) often combined with the phrase 'el uno al otro'. The preposition required by the verb is inserted in the middle.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| With 'a' | El uno al otro | Se miran el uno al otro. |
| With 'de' | El uno del otro | Dependen el uno del otro. |
| With 'con' | El uno con el otro | Están enfadados el uno con el otro. |
More examples
Los niños se ayudan mutuamente con los deberes.
The children help each other with their homework.
Use 'se' + 'mutuamente' for clarity.
Tenemos que ser sinceros los unos con los otros.
We have to be honest with each other.
Plural form used for a group of more than two people.