What are Reflexive Verbs?
Reflexive verbs (verbes pronominaux) are verbs where the action is directed back toward the subject. In French, reflexive verbs are always accompanied by a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nous, vous, se) that matches the subject. They express actions like getting dressed, waking up, or introducing oneself — actions where the subject acts upon themselves.
Reflexive verbs are verbs where the subject performs an action on or for themselves. They require a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nous, vous, se) that agrees with the subject: Je me lève (I get up — literally, I myself get up).
- •Subject acts on an object
- •Elle lave la voiture. (She washes the car.)
- •The car receives the action
- •Subject acts on themselves
- •Elle se lave. (She washes herself.)
- •The subject receives the action
Step-by-step worked examples
Conjugate 'se lever' (to get up) in the present tense for 'je' and 'nous'.
Je me lève (I get up) Nous nous levons (we get up) Note: The reflexive pronoun me/nous matches the subject.
Conjugate 's'appeler' (to be called) for 'elle'.
Elle s'appelle (She is called / Her name is) The -t- in 'appelle' doubles before silent e (regular reflexive conjugation rule).
What is the reflexive form of 'habiller' (to dress) for 'vous'?
Vous vous habillez (You get dressed) Reflexive pronoun vous matches vous; conjugation follows regular -er verb pattern.
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.What defines a reflexive verb?
Q2.Which is a reflexive verb?
Q3.What is the correct reflexive form of 'lever' for 'je'?
Q4.In passé composé, what auxiliary does a reflexive verb use?
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Common mistakes
Forgetting the reflexive pronoun when conjugating. — Correct: Always include: Je me lève (not Je lève for reflexive 'se lever').
Placing the reflexive pronoun after the verb. — Correct: Reflexive pronoun comes before the verb: Je me lève (not Je lève me).
Using avoir instead of être in passé composé with reflexive verbs. — Correct: Reflexive verbs always use être: Je me suis levé(e). (I got up.)
Confusing reflexive se with impersonal se (or passive). — Correct: Reflexive: subject acts on themselves (se laver = wash oneself). Impersonal: 'On se dit...' (One tells oneself...).
FAQ
What is a reflexive verb?
A reflexive verb is one where the subject performs an action on or for themselves, using a reflexive pronoun. Example: Se laver (to wash oneself) — Je me lave (I wash myself).
What are the reflexive pronouns?
Me (myself — je), te (yourself — tu), se (himself/herself — il/elle), nous (ourselves — nous), vous (yourselves — vous), se (themselves — ils/elles).
How do you conjugate a reflexive verb?
Place the reflexive pronoun before the verb, then conjugate the verb normally. Example: Je me lève, tu te lèves, il se lève, nous nous levons, vous vous levez, ils se lèvent.
How do you form the passé composé of a reflexive verb?
Use être + past participle (conjugated), and the past participle agrees with the subject in gender/number. Example: Je me suis levé(e). Nous nous sommes levés(es).