Un 8.1
Reflexive Verbs
Reflexive verbs often indicate actions that are done towards oneself, although this may be more obvious with some verbs than with others.
Reflexive Verbs – Les verbes réfléchis
A reflexive verb is a verb whose subject and object refer to the same person or thing. In many languages, this type of construction requires a special form, particularly of the verb’s object.
e.g.
|
Are you listening to yourself? |
This is also true in French.
e.g.
|
Est-ce que tu t’écoutes ? |
Are you listening to yourself? |
|
Corresponding Subject Pronoun |
Reflexive Pronoun |
Corresponding Subject Pronoun |
Reflexive Pronoun |
|
je |
me |
nous |
nous |
|
tu |
te |
vous |
vous |
|
il elle on |
se |
ils elles |
se |
French reflexive pronouns function in a way similar to other object pronouns. They are placed in front of their corresponding verb. When interacting with a verb that begins with a vowel or unaspirated ‘h’, contraction occurs for most of the reflexive pronouns. There are several reflexive verbs in French that correspond to non-reflexive verbs in English. Many verbs have slight changes in meaning when combined with a reflexive pronoun, while others only function in a reflexive form. In most dictionaries, French reflexive verbs are indicated with the third person reflexive pronoun ‘se’.
e.g.
|
Vous vous appelez Aki ? |
Your name’s Aki? |
|
Demain, je dois me lever à huit heures. |
I need to get up at eight tomorrow. |
|
Il faut se préparer pour l’examen, n’est-ce pas ? |
It’s a good idea to prepare for the exam, no? |
Several reflexive verbs refer to daily activities that involve a person’s hands, face, etc. In cases when the specific body part is mentioned, the reflexive pronoun is still needed, unlike in English. The body part will require a definite article.
|
Je me lave les mains. |
I’m washing my hands. |
|
Attention ! Tu vas te couper le doigt ! |
Careful! You’re going to cut your finger! |
Reflexive Verbs in the Imperative – L'impératif des verbes réfléchis
When used in the imperative, reflexive pronouns continue to function in a similar fashion compared to other object pronouns. Keep in mind, though, that the first and second person singular forms change in the imperative when following the verb.
|
Amusez-vous bien ! |
Have fun! / Enjoy! |
|
Ma puce, calme-toi ! |
Honey, calm down! |
|
Ne t’inquiète pas ! |
Don’t worry! |
|
Va te promener cet après-midi. Il va faire beau ! |
Go for a walk this afternoon. It’ll be beautiful out! |
