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.
French
English
Elle se lave.
She washes herself.
Note: If there is no reflexive pronouns, the reflexive verbs are used like all other verbs.
French
English
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.
| Person | Pronoun |
|---|---|
| Je | me/m' |
| Tu | te/t’ |
| Il, elle, on | se/s’ |
| Nous | nous |
| Vous | vous |
| Ils, elles | se/s’ |
| Person | Pronoun |
|---|---|
| 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.
French
English
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.
French
English
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.
French
English
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:
French
English
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.
French
English
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.