Reflexive Pronouns

01

Placement of Reflexive Pronouns

The position of the reflexive pronoun depends on the verb form.

1. Before a conjugated verb

This is the most common placement. The pronoun comes directly before the verb.

• Em llevo a les vuit del matí.

  I get up at eight in the morning.

• La meva germana es maquilla cada dia.

  My sister puts on makeup every day.

2. Attached to an infinitive or gerund

When a reflexive verb is in its infinitive (-ar, -er, -ir) or gerund (-ant, -ent, -int) form, the pronoun is attached to the end.

• He de dutxar-me abans de sortir.

  I have to shower before leaving.

• Estic pentinant-me.

  I am combing my hair.

Alternatively, the pronoun can be placed before the conjugated verb that precedes the infinitive or gerund. Both forms are correct and common.

• M'he de dutxar abans de sortir.

  I have to shower before leaving.

• M'estic pentinant.

  I am combing my hair.

3. With commands (imperatives)

For positive commands, the pronoun is attached to the end of the verb.

• Renta't les mans!

  Wash your hands!

• Seieu, si us plau.

  Sit down, please.

For negative commands, the pronoun goes before the verb.

• No et preocupis.

  Don't worry.

• No us aixequeu encara.

  Don't get up yet.

02

Common Uses of Reflexive Verbs

Reflexive pronouns are used in several distinct situations.

Actions on oneself

This is the most direct reflexive use, common with daily routines and personal care. The subject performs the action on their own body or person.

• Em vesteixo per anar a la feina.

  I get dressed to go to work.

• T'afaites cada matí?

  Do you shave every morning?

Reciprocal actions

When the subject is plural (nosaltres, vosaltres, ells/elles), the pronouns ens, us, es can mean "each other" or "one another".

• El Joan i la Marta s'estimen molt.

  Joan and Marta love each other very much.

• Ens veiem demà a l'oficina.

  We'll see each other tomorrow at the office.

Verbs that change meaning

Some verbs change their meaning, sometimes subtly, when used with a reflexive pronoun. These are known as pronominal verbs.

• anar (to go) vs. anar-se'n (to leave, to go away)
• dormir (to sleep) vs. adormir-se (to fall asleep)
• trobar (to find) vs. trobar-se (to feel / to be located)

• Vaig a casa.

  I'm going home.

• Me'n vaig, que es fa tard.

  I'm leaving, it's getting late.

• He trobat les claus.

  I've found the keys.

• Com et trobes avui?

  How do you feel today?

Inherently reflexive verbs

Some verbs are almost always used with a reflexive pronoun, even if their English equivalent is not reflexive. These often express feelings, perceptions, or states of being.

• Em queixo del soroll.

  I complain about the noise.

• S'ha adonat que ha comès un error.

  He has realized that he made a mistake.

• No m'atreveixo a dir-li la veritat.

  I don't dare to tell him the truth.