Reflexive Verbs
French: Cambridge International GCSE, topic 6.1.4
Reflexive Verbs
Reflexive verbs in French are verbs that indicate the subject is performing the action on itself. They are used with reflexive pronouns, such as me, te, se, nous, vous, se.
How to recognize a reflexive verb
- In the infinitive form, a reflexive verb will always be written with 'se' in front of it:
- se laver - to wash oneself
- s'habiller - to get dressed
- se réveiller - to wake up
1) Take 'je', 'tu', 'il' etc.
- Je
- Tu
- Il/elle/on
- Nous
- Vous
- Ils/elles
2) Add reflexive pronouns
- Je me, m'
- Tu te, t'
- Il/elle/on se, s'
- Nous nous
- Vous vous
- Ils/elles se, s'
3) Add a verb
- Je me détends - I relax.
- Tu te détends - you (s) relax.
- Il/elle/on se détend - he/she/one relaxes.
- Nous nous détendons - we relax.
- Vous vous détendez - you (pl) relax.
- Ils/elles se détendent - they relax.
Test yourself on Reflexive Verbs
'Se rendre compte' is a reflexive verb meaning to realise.
How do you say they realise in French?Which of these is NOT a correct form of a reflexive verb?