Reflexive Verbs

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.

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

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.

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

Stressed Reflexive Pronouns

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

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

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

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