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.

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This is also true in French.

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French reflexive pronouns function in a way similar to other object pronouns. They are placed in front of their corresponding verb. Also like other object pronouns, the direct/indirect nature of the verb may change how the sentence is formulated, even though the reflexive pronoun itself will not be different. 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 by the third person reflexive pronoun ‘se’.

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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. In these types of sentences, the reflexive pronoun may change from a direct object to an indirect one, as the body part will take up the role of direct object. This may have implications for the sentence’s grammar, despite the fact that the reflexive pronoun’s form will not change.