Je me brosse les dents.
English: I brush my teeth.
- Language
- French
- Level
- A2
- Unit
- Pronoms
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
Reflexive pronouns in French (les pronoms réfléchis) are used when the subject and the object of the verb are the same person. They show that someone is doing something to themselves.
When to use it
Use reflexive pronouns in French with reflexive verbs, often for daily routines or actions you do to yourself, like washing, getting up, or dressing. They are also used with some verbs that always require a reflexive form.
Key forms
- me (je me lève)
- te (tu te laves)
- se (il/elle/on se couche)
- nous (nous nous amusons)
- vous (vous vous préparez)
- se (ils/elles se réveillent)
Examples
Tu te réveilles à six heures.
English: You wake up at six o'clock.
Elle se maquille.
English: She puts on makeup.
Nous nous reposons après le travail.
English: We rest after work.
Ils se dépêchent pour arriver à l'heure.
English: They hurry to arrive on time.
Tips
- Remember to place the reflexive pronoun before the verb.
- In negative sentences, the reflexive pronoun stays with the verb inside 'ne...pas'.
- Some verbs change meaning when used with a reflexive pronoun.
Exceptions and edge cases
- With parts of the body, use the definite article (le, la, les) instead of a possessive adjective.
- Some verbs are always reflexive in French, even if not in your language.