A reflexive verb refers back to the subject who is performing the action. Following are some examples of reflexive verbs in English.
In the above examples, the reflexive meaning of the verb is expressed with the use of myself, himself, and themselves. Sometimes, in English, the reflexive meaning is not explicit, but it is understood.
There are many verbs in Italian which are intrinsically reflexive, meaning that they clearly refer back to the subject as they are performed to the subject’s own body (lavarsi, “to wash oneself,” for example). There are other verbs in Italian, however, which have a reflexive form, but which are not intrinsically reflexive (laurearsi, “to graduate,” is an example of this). The good news is that all reflexive verbs in Italian follow the same basic grammatical pattern: they are always conjugated with a reflexive pronoun. Take a look at the following table, which shows the conjugations of three commonly used reflexive verbs. Please note the reflexive pronouns in bold, which always precede the conjugated verb.
2.When a reflexive infinitive is used with dovere, potere, or volere, the reflexive pronoun can be attached to the infinitive or come before the whole verb phrase.
3.Reflexive verbs can express meanings that are not necessarily reflexive. For example, verbs can be used reflexively to stress the involvement of the subject in the action.
4.Verbs which are not reflexive can be used in the plural--with the plural reflexive pronouns ci, vi, and si--to express a reciprocal action.
| He hurt himself playing tennis. The children enjoy themselves when we go to the zoo. I consider myself somewhat intelligent. |
In the above examples, the reflexive meaning of the verb is expressed with the use of myself, himself, and themselves. Sometimes, in English, the reflexive meaning is not explicit, but it is understood.
| Her husband shaves (himself) every morning. I dress (myself) very quickly. |
There are many verbs in Italian which are intrinsically reflexive, meaning that they clearly refer back to the subject as they are performed to the subject’s own body (lavarsi, “to wash oneself,” for example). There are other verbs in Italian, however, which have a reflexive form, but which are not intrinsically reflexive (laurearsi, “to graduate,” is an example of this). The good news is that all reflexive verbs in Italian follow the same basic grammatical pattern: they are always conjugated with a reflexive pronoun. Take a look at the following table, which shows the conjugations of three commonly used reflexive verbs. Please note the reflexive pronouns in bold, which always precede the conjugated verb.
abituarsi | godersi | sentirsi | |
| io | mi abituo | mi godo | mi sento |
| tu | ti abitui | ti godi | ti senti |
| lui/lei/Lei | si abitua | si gode | si sente |
| noi | ci abituiamo | ci godiamo | ci sentiamo |
| voi | vi abituate | vi godete | vi sentite |
| loro | si abituano | si godono | si sentono |
Uses of Reflexive Verbs
1.Even when a reflexive verb is used in the infinitive, the reflexive pronoun must agree with the subject.| Preferisco svegliarmi alle 9. I prefer to wake up at 9. Luisa spera di laurearsi tra un anno. Luisa hopes to graduate in a year. |
| Non voglio spostarmi. Non mi voglio spostare. I don’t want to move. La ragazza non può vedersi. La ragazza non si può vedere. The girl can’t see herself. |
| Preparo qualcosa da mangiare. I’m making something to eat. Mi preparo qualcosa da mangiare. I’m making myself something to eat. |
| Ci scriviamo spesso. We write each other often. Lucia e Paolo si amano. Lucia and Paolo love each other. |