Reflexive verbs

What is a reflexive verb?

​A reflexive verb usually describes what a person does to or for himself or herself. In other words, it “reflects” the action of the verb back to the subject. Reflexive verbs always use reflexive pronouns.

Subject | Subject

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​André se rase à huit heures.

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André shaves (himself) at 8 o'clock

How to recognize a reflexive verb?

​The pronoun se before an infinitive identifies the verb as reflexive: se laver. Here are some common reflexive verbs.

Subject | Subject

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When a reflexive verb is conjugated, the reflexive pronoun agrees with the subject. Reflexive pronouns have the same forms as direct and indirect object pronouns, except for se, which is used for both singular and plural 3rd person subjects.

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I wash (myself​)

You wash (yourself)

He/She​/It washes (himself/herself/itself)

We wash (ourselves)

Y'all wash (yourselves)

They wash (themselves)​

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​Je me lave

Tu te laves

Il/elle/on se lave

Nous nous lavons

Vous vous lavez

Ils/ Elles se lavent​

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Not a mistake...

Note that the reflexive pronouns nous and vous are identical to the corresponding subject pronouns.

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​Nous nous regardons dans le miroir. We look at ourselves in the mirror

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Vous vous habillez ​déjà. We are already getting dressed.

Subject | Subject

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The conjuguaison of the verbs "s'endormir" and "se lever" is a bit different

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Je me lève

Tu te lèves

il/elle/on se lève

Nous nous levons

Vous vous levez

Ils/elles se lèvent​

Se lever

Je m'endors

Tu t'endors

il/elle/on s'endort

Nous nous endormons

Vous vous endormez​

Ils/ elles s'endorment​

S'endormir

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When a body part is mentioned with a reflexive verbs, in French we will use a definite article instead of a possessive article in English​

Vous vous lavez les mains > You wash your hands​

Je me brosse les dents > I brush my teeth​

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Double use

Some verbs can be used both reflexively and non-reflexively. If the verb acts upon something other than the subject, the non-reflexive form is used.

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La mère se réveille à sept heures. Ensuite, elle réveille son fils à huit heures.

The mother wakes up at seven. Then, he wakes her son up at eight. ​

Subject | Subject

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Form the imperative of a reflexive verb as you would a non-reflexive verb. Add the reflexive pronoun to the end of an affirmative command. In negative commands, place the reflexive pronoun between ne and the verb. (Remember to change me/te to moi/toi in affirmative commands.)

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Réveille-toi Bruno! but Ne te réveille pas!

Wake-up Don't wake-up! ​

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​Fill in the blank with the correct form of the reflexive verb

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