confundirla

Confundirla is a Spanish verb form built from the verb confundir with the feminine direct object pronoun la attached. It literally means to confuse her and is used whenever the direct object is a feminine noun or pronoun. When used in infinitive constructions, it appears as confundirla (for example, Voy a confundirla = I am going to confuse her). It also appears in other non-finite forms, such as confundiéndola (gerund) and in imperative forms like Confúndela (tú command).

Usage and patterns

Confundirla can denote causing someone to be mistaken about a person referred to as ella or about a feminine entity. Typical patterns include confundirla con followed by another person or thing, meaning to confuse her with someone or something. Examples: No quiero confundirla con su hermana (I don’t want to confuse her with her sister); La confundieron con la actriz famosa (They confused her with the famous actress). The pronoun la can be placed before a finite verb (la confunden) or attached to non-finite forms (confundirla, confundiéndola). In negative or emphatic commands, you would generally say No la confundas or Confúndela.

Etymology and related forms

Confundir derives from the Latin confundere, meaning to mix or pour together, with con- forming the prefix. As a result, the core sense is “to mix up or mix with,” which in Spanish broadens to both mixing up people and mixing up ideas or distinctions. Related terms include confusión (confusion) and confundirse (to become confused, reflexive).

See also

Confundir with can take la or otro pronoun depending on gender; confundirse; confusión.