A comprehensive guide on the difference between “se souvenir de” and “rappeler” in French, including usage, examples, and grammar.
Understanding how to express “to remember” in French can be tricky because there are multiple verbs with different nuances. Two of the most important are se souvenir de and rappeler. This guide will explain the difference between them, how to use each one correctly, and provide plenty of examples.
Overview of “Se souvenir de” and “Rappeler”
Both se souvenir de and rappeler deal with memory, but they function differently:
- Se souvenir de = “to remember” (reflexive verb)
- You recall something yourself.
- Always followed by “de” + noun/pronoun.
- Rappeler = “to remind” or “to call back”
- You remind someone else of something, or you can “call back” on the phone.
- Can be followed by a direct object (person) and sometimes an indirect object (thing).
Which of the following is TRUE about the construction of 'se souvenir de'?
'Se souvenir de' is always followed by 'de' plus a noun or pronoun.
'Se souvenir de' requires the preposition 'de' before the thing being remembered (e.g., Je me souviens de mon enfance).
How to Use “Se souvenir de”
Meaning
Se souvenir de means “to remember” or “to recall” something. It is reflexive, so it always includes a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, etc.).
Construction
se souvenir de + [noun/pronoun]
- Je me souviens de mon enfance.
- Elle se souvient de son voyage.
Pronouns and Agreement
The reflexive pronoun matches the subject:
- Je me souviens
- Tu te souviens
- Il/Elle se souvient
- Nous nous souvenons
- Vous vous souvenez
- Ils/Elles se souviennent
Examples
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Je me souviens de ce jour. | I remember that day. |
| Nous nous souvenons de notre professeur. | We remember our teacher. |
| Tu te souviens de la chanson? | Do you remember the song? |
How to Use “Rappeler”
Meanings
- Rappeler + [person] = “to call back” (on the phone)
- Rappeler + [person] + [thing] = “to remind [someone] of [something]”
Grammar
- When meaning “to remind,” the person is a direct object, and the thing can be an indirect object introduced by de or a clause.
- When meaning “to call back,” rappeler is used with a direct object (the person).
Examples of “Rappeler” as “Remind”
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Peux-tu me rappeler de prendre mon médicament? | Can you remind me to take my medicine? |
| Elle m’a rappelé notre rendez-vous. | She reminded me of our appointment. |
| Le professeur rappelle aux élèves de faire leurs devoirs. | The teacher reminds the students to do their homework. |
Examples of “Rappeler” as “Call Back”
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Je vais rappeler ma mère plus tard. | I will call my mother back later. |
| Il a rappelé le client ce matin. | He called back the client this morning. |
Common Mistakes
- Don’t confuse the reflexive pronoun in “se souvenir de.”
- Je souviens de toi.
- Je me souviens de toi.
- “Rappeler” requires an object (person), either direct or indirect.
- Rappelle-moi demain. (correct)
- Rappelle demain. (incorrect)
- Don’t use “rappeler” when you mean “I remember.” Use “se souvenir de.”
- Je rappelle mon enfance. (incorrect)
- Je me souviens de mon enfance. (correct)
- Don’t drop “de” after “se souvenir.”
- Je me souviens mon voyage. (incorrect)
- Je me souviens de mon voyage. (correct)
Summary
- Use se souvenir de when you want to say “I remember” something. It’s reflexive and always followed by de.
- Use rappeler when you want to “remind” someone of something or “call someone back”. It’s not reflexive and requires an object (usually a person).
- Be careful with reflexive pronouns, object pronouns, and prepositions to avoid common mistakes.
Understanding these two verbs will help you express memory and reminders more accurately in French!
Flashcards (1 of 8)
- English: I remember that day.
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
