FR 192A: Reflexive & Reciprocal Verbs

Why do we use reflexive verbs?

• to describe actions that are done to or for oneself

How to we form a reflexive verb

• Conjugate the verb normally, (depending on er, ir, re) but use a reflexive pronoun

Reflexive pronoun for je

me

Reflexive pronoun for tu

te

Reflexive pronoun for Il/Elle/On

se

Reflexive Pronoun for nous

nous

Reflexive Pronoun for vous

vous

Reflexive Pronoun for ils/elles

se

In what case do you use the non-reflexive form?

If the verb acts on something other than the subject

ex: tu faches la passagère

How do you form an affirmative command with reflexive verbs

• Put the reflexive pronoun after the verb with a hyphen between

  • Ex: habillons-nous lets get dressed

• Change te to toi

  • Ex: tais-toi be quiet

How to form negative commands

• begin with ne and place the reflexive pronoun before the verb

What is a reciprocal reflexive

• When people are doing something to each other, use only plural verb forms

  • EX: nous nous retrouvons au stade we are meeting each other at the stadium

How do you clarify or emphasise that an action is reciprocal

• use a form of

• l’un(e) l’autre

• l’un(e) à l’autre

• les un(e) les autres

• les un(e)s aux autres

  • EX: Ils s’envoient des e-mails les unes aux autres they send each other emails