Reflexive Verbs in French

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A reflexive verb in French is a verb where the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., getting oneself dressed or putting oneself to bed).

No, English doesn't use reflexive verbs in the same way as French; in English, we typically clarify as needed without using a specific structure.

Reflexive verbs are indicated with 'se' in front of the infinitive (e.g., se coucher) in dictionaries or verb lists.

'Se' before a verb signifies that the verb is reflexive, meaning the action is performed on oneself.

Some common reflexive verbs are: se coucher (to go to bed), se laver (to wash oneself), s’appeler (to be called), s’arrêter (to stop oneself), se baigner (to bathe/swim), se passer (to happen), se situer (to be situated), se lever (to get up), se promener (to take a walk), s’asseoir (to sit down), s’amuser (to enjoy oneself), se réveiller (to wake up).

You always place the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nous, vous, se) directly in front of the verb when conjugating reflexive verbs.

'Me' (or 'm’' before a vowel) is used: e.g., 'je me couche' or 'je m’appelle.'

'Te' (or 't’' before a vowel) is used: e.g., 'tu te couches.'

'Se' (or 's’' before a vowel) is used: e.g., 'il se couche.'

'Nous' is used: e.g., 'nous nous couchons.'

'Vous' is used: e.g., 'vous vous couchez.'

'Se' (or 's’' before a vowel) is used: e.g., 'ils se couchent.'

Conjugate the verb as usual for the subject, but precede it with the correct reflexive pronoun.

The reflexive pronoun changes to match the subject: me (myself), te (yourself), se (himself/herself/oneself), nous (ourselves), vous (yourself/yourselves), se (themselves).

It becomes an apostrophe form: me → m’, te → t’, se → s’. E.g., 'je m’appelle,' 'il s’appelle.'

'Je me couche.'

'Nous nous couchons.'

The first 'nous' (or 'vous') is the subject pronoun; the second 'nous' (or 'vous') is the reflexive pronoun meaning 'ourselves' (or 'yourselves').

Yes, conjugate the reflexive verbs as you would regular verbs, just add the reflexive pronoun in front.

First, memorize common reflexive verbs and their meanings, then practice conjugating them with all subject pronouns using the correct reflexive pronouns.

You can visit The Language Tutor French Facebook page, check out the Language Tutor French podcast, or leave questions in the comments section on YouTube.

A reflexive verb in French is a verb where the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., getting oneself dressed or putting oneself to bed).