French grammar: emploi des verbes pronominaux

What this grammar point covers

Pronominal verbs in French are verbs that are used with a reflexive pronoun (like 'se'). They often describe actions that the subject does to themselves or to each other.

When to use it

Use pronominal verbs in French when the subject does the action to themselves, for daily routines, for actions that happen to each other (reciprocal), or for verbs that always use 'se' even if the meaning is not reflexive.

Key forms

• se laver
• s’habiller
• se souvenir
• se parler

Examples

Tips

• Always use the correct reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nous, vous, se) before the verb.
• In negative sentences, place 'ne' before the reflexive pronoun and 'pas' after the verb: Je ne me couche pas tard.
• Some verbs change meaning when used pronominally, so check the dictionary if you’re unsure.

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some pronominal verbs use 'être' as the auxiliary in compound tenses, but some can also use 'avoir' when there is a direct object.
• The past participle usually agrees with the subject, except when the verb is followed by a direct object.