Reflexive Verbs

What Are Reflexive Verbs?

A reflexive verb describes an action that the subject performs on themselves — the subject and the object are the same person. In English we use 'myself', 'yourself', 'himself' etc. In Italian, reflexive verbs are marked by reflexive pronouns (mi, ti, si, ci, vi, si) and their infinitive ends in -si: alzar-si (to get up), lavar-si (to wash oneself), vestir-si (to get dressed). When you see -si attached to an infinitive, you know the verb is reflexive.

• Mi sveglio alle sette. — I wake up at seven.
• Ti lavi le mani prima di mangiare? — Do you wash your hands before eating?
• Lei si veste in fretta ogni mattina. — She gets dressed quickly every morning.
• Ci sediamo al tavolo. — We sit down at the table.
• Vi divertite alla festa? — Are you (all) having fun at the party?
• Si addormentano tardi la sera. — They fall asleep late in the evening.
• Mi chiamo Marco. — My name is Marco (I call myself Marco).
• Ti ricordi del mio numero? — Do you remember my number?
• Non mi sento bene oggi. — I don't feel well today.
• Si preoccupa sempre per tutto. — She always worries about everything.

Position of the Reflexive Pronoun

With a conjugated verb, the reflexive pronoun goes BEFORE the verb: 'Mi alzo alle otto.' (I get up at eight.) With an infinitive (after modal verbs like volere, dovere, potere), you have TWO options — the pronoun can go before the conjugated verb OR be attached to the infinitive. Both are correct: 'Mi voglio alzare presto.' = 'Voglio alzarmi presto.' (I want to get up early.) In negative sentences, 'non' comes before the pronoun: 'Non mi alzo tardi.' (I don't get up late.)

Reciprocal Use of Reflexive Pronouns

The plural reflexive pronouns (ci, vi, si) can express a reciprocal action — something that two or more people do TO EACH OTHER. The meaning is 'each other' or 'one another'. Examples: 'Ci amiamo.' (We love each other.) 'Si vedono ogni giorno.' (They see each other every day.) 'Vi scrivete spesso?' (Do you write to each other often?) The context usually makes it clear whether the meaning is reflexive (doing it to oneself) or reciprocal (doing it to each other).

• Ci vediamo domani! — We'll see each other tomorrow!
• Si amano molto. — They love each other very much.
• Si incontrano al bar ogni mattina. — They meet each other at the bar every morning.
• Ci salutiamo sempre con un bacio. — We always greet each other with a kiss.
• Si aiutano a vicenda. — They help each other.
• Vi conoscete da molto tempo? — Have you known each other for a long time?
• Si capiscono perfettamente. — They understand each other perfectly.
• Ci scriviamo ogni settimana. — We write to each other every week.