Reflexive Verbs

CONTENT
  1. What Are Reflexive Verbs?
  2. Reflexive Pronouns
  3. Stressed Reflexive Pronouns

What Are Reflexive Verbs?

Rule 1: Reflexive verbs are verbs where the subject and the object of the action is the same. They are often used to refer to daily activities such as to get up, to wash, and to shave. They are always used with a reflexive pronoun that refers to the subject.

Native

Translation

Elle se lave.

She washes herself.

Note: If there is no reflexive pronouns, the reflexive verbs are used like all other verbs.

Native

Translation

Elle lave son chat.

She is washing her cat.

Reflexive Pronouns

Rule 2: This reflexive pronoun comes before the reflexive verb. They should always agree with the subject they refer to in number and gender.

PersonPronoun
Je me/m'
Tu te/t’
Il, elle, on se/s’
Nous nous
Vous vous
Ils, elles se/s’

Rule 3: Reflexive pronouns se, me, te are shortened with an apostrophe before a silent "h" and vowels.

Native

Translation

Je m'habille.

I get dressed.

Stressed Reflexive Pronouns

Rule 4: Stressed reflexive pronouns (toi, nous, and vous) are used in the positive imperative form of reflexive verbs.

Native

Translation

Levez-vous !

Get up!

Note: With the negative form of the imperative, we will continue using general reflexive pronouns, sich as te, vous, or nous.

Native

Translation

Ne vous levez pas.

Don't get up.

Rule 5: The stressed reflexive pronoun soi can be used when the subject is undefined or neutral:

Native

Translation

Il est important de prendre soin de soi.

It is important to care about oneself.

... or with on, chacun, tout le monde, personne, celui qui.

Native

Translation

Celui qui se soucie de soi a du succès.

The one who cares about oneself is successful.

Quiz

1/3

Il _ regarde dans le miroir.

0

correct answers.