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French I - Reflexive Verbs

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Study GuideFrench I–Reflexive Verbs1.Idiomatic Reflexive Verbs in French1. What Are Idiomatic Reflexive Verbs?Idiomatic reflexive verbsare reflexive verbs whose meaningscannot always be translated word-for-word into English. Instead, they havespecial meanings or expressionsthat must be learnedas a whole.These verbs use areflexive pronoun(me, te, se, nous, vous, se) along with the verb, but theirmeaning often goesbeyond the literal translation.2. Common Idiomatic Reflexive VerbsHere are some useful idiomatic reflexive verbs in French:French ExpressionMeaning in Englishse brosser les dentsto brush one’s teethse casser la jambeto break one’s legs’en allerto go awayse faire des amisto make friendsse mettre en colèreto get angryse rendre compte deto realizeThese expressions are commonly used in everyday conversation.3. Example SentencesHere are examples showing how these verbs are used:

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Study Guide•Elle s’en va.She’s going away.•Il se met en colère.He’s getting angry.These examples show how thereflexive pronoun changes according to the subject.4. Important TipWhen learning idiomatic reflexive verbs:•Memorize themas complete expressions.•Do not always translate themword by word.For example:•se rendre compte deliterally means “to make oneself account of,” but the correct meaning is“to realize.”Key Takeaway•Idiomatic reflexive verbs are common French expressions that use reflexive pronouns buthave special meanings.•Because their meanings are not always literal, it is best to learn them as whole phrases.2.Reflexive Verbs and Commands in French1. Reflexive Verbs in CommandsWhen givingcommands (imperatives)with reflexive verbs, the position of thereflexive pronounchanges depending on whether the command isnegativeoraffirmative.2. Negative CommandsIn anegative command, the reflexive pronoun is placedbefore the verb, just like in a regularsentence.

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Study GuideStructure:Ne + reflexive pronoun + verb + pasExample:•Ne te lève pas !Don’t get up!Here:•te(reflexive pronoun) comesbefore the verb.3. Affirmative CommandsIn anaffirmative command, the reflexive pronoun comesafter the verband is connected with ahyphen.Structure:Verb–reflexive pronounExamples:•Lève-toi !Get up!(informal)•Levez-vous !Get up!(formal or plural)4. Special Rule for teInfamiliar (tu) commands, the reflexive pronounte changes to toiwhen it comes after the verb.Example:•Lève-toi !(notLève-te)This change only happens inaffirmative commands.

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Study Guide5. Quick ComparisonType ofCommandStructureExampleMeaningNegativeNe + pronoun + verb + pasNe te lève pas !Don’t get up!AffirmativeVerb–pronounLève-toi !Get up!Formal affirmativeVerb–vousLevez-vous !Get up!Key TakeawayWhen using reflexive verbs in commands:•Negative commands:the reflexive pronoun comesbefore the verb.•Affirmative commands:the reflexive pronoun comesafter the verband is joined by ahyphen.•In familiar commands,te changes to toiafter the verb.3.Reflexive Verbs and Compound Tenses1. Reflexive Verbs in Compound TensesWhen reflexive verbs are used incompound tenses(such as thepassé composé), they useêtreastheauxiliary (helping) verb.Thereflexive pronounstaysbefore the conjugated form of être.Structure:Subject + reflexive pronoun + être (conjugated) + past participleExamples:•Je me suis lavé(e).I washed myself.

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Study Guide•Tu t'es préparé(e).You got ready.•Il s'est rasé.He shaved.•Elle s'est couchée.She went to bed.•Nous nous sommes peigné(e)s.We combed our hair.•Vous vous êtes coiffé(e)(s).You did your hair.•Ils se sont impatientés.They became impatient.•Elles se sont maquillées.They put on their makeup.2. Agreement of the Past ParticipleThepast participlewith reflexive verbs may or may not agree with the subject depending on thefunction of the reflexive pronoun.Case 1: Reflexive Pronoun as a Direct ObjectIf the reflexive pronoun acts as thedirect object, thepast participle agrees with the subjectingender and number.Example:Ils se sont lavés.They washed themselves.Question to ask:
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Document Details

University
Texas A&M University
Course
French I
Subject
World Languages

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