Definition and Use
Reflexive pronouns in French are used when the subject and the object of a verb refer to the same person or thing. They indicate that the action of the verb reflects back on the subject. Reflexive verbs are commonly used to describe daily routines, emotions, or actions one does to oneself.
French Reflexive Pronouns
French has specific reflexive pronouns that correspond to each subject pronoun. These pronouns always precede the verb in simple tenses and are essential in forming reflexive verb constructions.
Placement in Sentences
In present tense and simple tenses, reflexive pronouns come directly before the conjugated verb. In compound tenses like passé composé, they are placed before the auxiliary verb. In negative constructions, the reflexive pronoun stays with the verb within the negation.
Common Reflexive Verbs
Many verbs become reflexive to indicate a reflexive action, such as se laver (to wash oneself), s’habiller (to dress oneself), or se réveiller (to wake up). These verbs always require the corresponding reflexive pronoun to convey the proper meaning.
Conjugations
| French Pronoun | French Conjugation | English Conjugation | French Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| je | me lave | I wash myself | Je me lave chaque matin. | I wash myself every morning. |
| tu | te laves | You wash yourself | Tu te laves les mains. | You wash your hands. |
| il/elle/on | se lave | He/She/One washes self | Il se lave avant de sortir. | He washes himself before going out. |
| nous | nous lavons | We wash ourselves | Nous nous lavons après le repas. | We wash ourselves after the meal. |
| vous | vous lavez | You wash yourselves | Vous vous lavez souvent. | You wash yourselves often. |
| ils/elles | se lavent | They wash themselves | Ils se lavent après le sport. | They wash themselves after sports. |
This table shows the reflexive verb se laver, which means "to wash oneself," conjugated in the present tense with reflexive pronouns. It demonstrates how the pronouns align with the subject and how the verb reflects the action back on the subject.
