Italian reflexive verbs
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsSign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Our offer
The reflexive verbs (verbi riflessivi) are used to express actions that "reflect" their effect on the speaker. That is, the subject and the object of the verbs are the same.
Usually, the object is expressed by the pronominal particle.
Persons | Particle | Example |
---|---|---|
Io | Mi (myself) | Io mi lavo. (I wash myself) |
Tu | Ti (yourself) | Tu ti lavi. (You wash yourself) |
Egli / ella Essi / esse | Si (himself/herself/themselves) | Egli si lava. (He/she washes himself/herself) Essi si lavano. (They wash themselves) |
Noi | Ci (ourselves) | Noi ci laviamo. (We wash ourselves) |
Voi | Vi (yourselves) | Voi vi lavate. (You wash yourselves) |
Careful! As you can see, the third person both singular and plural use the same pronoun (si).
Reflexive verbs are very common in Italian, yet they represent a small category among all the verbs.
They can be easily distinguished by the clitic pronoun si added to their infinitive forms, without the final -e.
Below you can find a chart that shows this process.
Active | Reflexive | Translation |
---|---|---|
amare | amarsi | to love > to love oneself |
lavare | lavarsi | to wash > to wash oneself |
vestire | vestirsi | to wear > to get dressed |
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
The following is a short list of some of the most common reflexive verbs in Italian.
Infinitive reflexive form | Translation |
---|---|
abbronzarsi | to get tanned, to sunbath |
addormentarsi | to fall asleep |
alzarsi | to get up, to stand up |
annoiarsi | to get bored |
arrabbiarsi | to get angry/mad |
chiedersi | to wonder, to ask oneself |
divertirsi | to enjoy oneself |
farsi il bagno | to have a bath |
farsi la doccia | to have a shower |
farsi male | to hurt oneself |
fidanzarsi | to get engaged |
lamentarsi | to complain |
mettersi | to put oneself into smth., to wear smth. |
nascondersi | to hide oneself |
perdersi | to lose oneself, to get lost |
preoccuparsi | to get worried about smth. |
prepararsi | to prepare oneself to/for smth. |
ricordarsi | to remember, to remind oneself |
riposarsi | to rest |
sbrigarsi | to hurry |
sdraiarsi | to lie down |
sedersi | to get seated |
sposarsi | to get married |
svegliarsi | to wake up |
tagliarsi | to cut oneself |
trovarsi | to be located, to find oneself somewhere |
truccarsi | to put on make-up |
Conjugation of reflexive verbs proceeds just as any other that of any Italian verb would.
The big difference is - in each conjugation, the appropriate direct subject pronoun is added before any verbal voice.
Here follows the conjugation in all tenses of a simple reflexive verb, lavarsi (to wash oneself).
Present | Present Perfect | Imperfect | Absolute Past | Preterite Perfect | Future Simple | Future Perfect | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Io | mi lavo | mi sono lavato | mi lavavo | mi lavai | mi fui lavato | mi laverò | mi sarò lavato |
Tu | ti lavi | ti sei lavato | ti lavavi | ti lavasti | ti fosti lavato | ti laverai | ti sarai lavato |
Egli / ella | si lava | si è lavato | si lavava | si lavò | si fu lavato | si laverà | si sarà lavato |
Noi | ci laviamo | ci siamo lavati | ci lavavamo | ci lavammo | ci fummo lavati | ci laveremo | ci saremo lavati |
Voi | vi lavate | vi siete lavati | vi lavavate | vi lavaste | vi foste lavati | vi laverete | vi sarete lavati |
Essi / esse | si lavano | si sono lavati | si lavavano | si lavarono | si fossero lavati | si laveranno | si saranno lavati |
Present | Imperfect | Past | Past perfect | |
---|---|---|---|---|
(Che) io | mi lavi | mi lavassi | mi sia lavato | mi fossi lavato |
(Che) tu | ti lavi | ti lavassi | ti sia lavato | ti fossi lavato |
(Che) egli / ella | si lavi | si lavasse | si sia lavato | si fosse lavato |
(Che) noi | ci laviamo | ci lavassimo | ci siamo lavati | ci fossimo lavati |
(Che) voi | vi laviate | vi lavaste | vi siate lavati | vi foste lavati |
(Che) essi / esse | si lavino | si lavassero | si siano lavati | si fossero lavati |
Present | Past | |
---|---|---|
Io | mi laverei | mi sarei lavato |
Tu | ti laveresti | ti saresti lavato |
Egli / ella | si laverebbe | si sarebbe lavato |
Noi | ci laveremmo | ci saremmo lavati |
Voi | vi lavereste | vi sareste lavati |
Essi / esse | si laverebbero | si sarebbero lavati |
Present | Past |
---|---|
Lavarsi | Essersi lavato |
Present | |
---|---|
Io | - |
Tu | Lavati |
Egli / ella | Si lavi |
Noi | Laviamoci |
Voi | Lavatevi |
Essi / esse | Si lavino |
Present | Past |
---|---|
Lavantesi / lavantisi | Lavatosi / lavatasi / lavatisi / lavatesi |
Present | Past |
---|---|
Lavandosi / lavandomi / lavandoti / lavandoci / lavandovi | Essendosi / essendomi / essendoti / essendosi / essendovi lavato/a - essendosi lavati/e |
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
Hi!
My name is Mariateresa, I'm Italian and I teach English, Italian and Spanish to foreign students.
Having lived in Spain during my last year at University, I moved to the UK, where I lived for the next five years. My English at that time was quite poor and I made a living by doing various jobs.
One day, inspired by my amazing English teacher Mandy, I had an idea: why not teach my native language and Spanish to English people and other nationalities? You wouldn’t believe how fascinated people are by these languages!
It was in 2017 when I fell in love with this job. So much so that one year later I successfully attained a TESOL Certificate, to teach English as a foreign language.
Teaching allows me to fully express myself and my personal qualities, such as patience and an ability to give my full attention to other people. By giving students a space in which to express themselves without fear, I create a safe, non-judgemental environment.
When a new student contacts me I always offer them a free trial lesson, so that we can introduce ourselves and I can get to know their level, interests and needs. It's from there that I create the ensuing lessons.
I provide students with a solid grammar base, but also help them to understand the application and use of the language in everyday life. At the same time, I tailor the lesson to suit the students' main interests – such as grammar, speaking, pronunciation, writing or exam preparation. I teach students of different levels, from beginners to advanced.
Although I love teaching in-person, I have adapted myself to teaching online as well. I have also completed a Teaching English Online course offered by Cambridge University. I have to admit that it's a really effective method, plus you meet people from all over the world!
Having lived abroad for several years I know that learning a foreign language requires time, but it's also fun. By speaking in it we can express hidden parts of ourselves – it's a bit like acting!
You can also assimilate the culture from which the language evolves. It's interesting to see how we can change and develop!
My aim is to transmit to students the idea that nothing is impossible. Learning a language is challenging, but entirely achievable if you keep in mind that it's a journey made of small steps.
What is important is to establish those small objectives every day, and reach them with calm determination.
Like a tracker counts the steps that you walk, put on your “count-words tracker” and you'll be surprised at how much you have learned by the end of the day!
For more information visit:
https://campsite.bio/mariateresa.medici
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Maria, was very helpful. I was a bit of a challenging case and so she had to modify her teaching program on the fly and did so with competence.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am Chiara an I am a native italian teacher. I hold a degree in linguistic and teaching italian as a second language.
I also hold CEDILS certificate in teaching italian as a foreign language.
I worked in an australian college for a year and I also have been working for three years in a language school in the centre of Florence with people from all the countries around the world.: Brazil, Cina, England, France, United States and many more.
I love writing, travelling and sport.
When we will learn italian together we will start from your level and your goals.
We will do grammar lessons, conversation lessons, everything you need to reach your goal and we will do all of this having fun.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Above all, Chiara is very resourceful. She can talk to you on any subject, that is, if you are interested in speaking Italian. She is patient, assists you with every little step. I could not expect anything better!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Welcome to my profile!
My name is Daniela, or “Daniella” as my students call me.
I have been working as Italian teacher for two years to migrants, for refugee centers and humanitarian corridors in Italy. I have had experience with first literacy and also I have worked with begginers and intermidiate students, who I prepared to Linguistic Certification. I have worked with single student and with groups.
My opinion is “Viva l’intercultura”, that means looking at the person’s linguistic needs. Italian lessons become a space where the cultures meet and match each other, and step by step, the student can build the Italian language. For me, the cultures exchange is very important.
I’d rather to teach with an inductive, interactive, and cooperative method, which focus on communication functions, but doesn’t forget the grammar. I use manuals, worksheets, interactive games, songs and video.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Daniela is an engaging teacher who takes seriously her job. She has a solid knowledge of the Italian grammar as well as fun ideas to teach it. I'm preparing an exam and she is being quite helpful to me, since she takes the time to prepare lessons and homework. I highly recommend to book a trial lesson with her.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi!
My name is Mariateresa, I'm Italian and I teach English, Italian and Spanish to foreign students.
Having lived in Spain during my last year at University, I moved to the UK, where I lived for the next five years. My English at that time was quite poor and I made a living by doing various jobs.
One day, inspired by my amazing English teacher Mandy, I had an idea: why not teach my native language and Spanish to English people and other nationalities? You wouldn’t believe how fascinated people are by these languages!
It was in 2017 when I fell in love with this job. So much so that one year later I successfully attained a TESOL Certificate, to teach English as a foreign language.
Teaching allows me to fully express myself and my personal qualities, such as patience and an ability to give my full attention to other people. By giving students a space in which to express themselves without fear, I create a safe, non-judgemental environment.
When a new student contacts me I always offer them a free trial lesson, so that we can introduce ourselves and I can get to know their level, interests and needs. It's from there that I create the ensuing lessons.
I provide students with a solid grammar base, but also help them to understand the application and use of the language in everyday life. At the same time, I tailor the lesson to suit the students' main interests – such as grammar, speaking, pronunciation, writing or exam preparation. I teach students of different levels, from beginners to advanced.
Although I love teaching in-person, I have adapted myself to teaching online as well. I have also completed a Teaching English Online course offered by Cambridge University. I have to admit that it's a really effective method, plus you meet people from all over the world!
Having lived abroad for several years I know that learning a foreign language requires time, but it's also fun. By speaking in it we can express hidden parts of ourselves – it's a bit like acting!
You can also assimilate the culture from which the language evolves. It's interesting to see how we can change and develop!
My aim is to transmit to students the idea that nothing is impossible. Learning a language is challenging, but entirely achievable if you keep in mind that it's a journey made of small steps.
What is important is to establish those small objectives every day, and reach them with calm determination.
Like a tracker counts the steps that you walk, put on your “count-words tracker” and you'll be surprised at how much you have learned by the end of the day!
For more information visit:
https://campsite.bio/mariateresa.medici
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Lessons with Mariateresa are fascinating. She has new ideas and very interesting learning materials. She makes you really enjoy Italian and Italian culture.Beside the lessons she really motivated me to do more homework! Moreover she is a very cultured person. I am very happy.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Profile:
Hello! My name is Federico Pasquale, I was born in La Plata, Argentina but now I live in Formia, Italy. I have an English-Spanish translation degree, a degree in teaching and a CELTA Certificate. I've been working as an English teacher for 14 years in different countries and I've recently started to teach Spanish, my native language. I offer classes in different levels and also conversation classes. If you want to improve your skills in one of these languages, get in touch with me. See you in the lesson!
Areas of Expertise:
English: General English (all levels), Conversational English, Exam preparation classes (PET, FCE, CAE, CPE, IELTS)
Spanish (Variety: Argentinian/Rioplatense): General Spanish at levels A1, A2 y B1, conversation and vocabulary
Free of charge interview!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Federico is a certified teacher with lots of experience who is well-structured and passionate about teaching English.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello Everybody
My name is Luisa and I teach Italian for foreign students, English, French and German for Italian students
Since 1994, I have dedicated myself to translating and teaching thanks to my travels, abroad studies, foreign reading and writing. I provide fun and customized lessons based on the student's goals. I also triy to minimize English speaking during the lessons. I give homework exercises, and my lessons are intermixed with grammar, conversation, customs and traditions. My goal is to make certain that each student finds learning Italian exciting.
I am available for any explanations also via e mail
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Luisa is such a great teacher; she’s energetic, patient, enthusiastic. I recommend her for anyone, child or adult.
Luisa A.Thank you so much Nicole !!!! much appreciated !!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I'm a certified Italian teacher based in my hometown Florence. I spent my childhood in a small village in the Chianti countryside and I always loved to explore curious aspects of different languages. I studied Arabic, English, French and Spanish and I like to help students with practical insights into Italian language to better fix the structures and improve pronunciation, grammar and conversation. After my studies (master degree in teaching Italian as a second language + CEDILS certificate - teaching Italian to foreign students), I taught in different contexts and countries (IIC of Beirut, private schools in Prague, companies in Malta and Florence and to many many private students!).
I try each time to adapt to every student's needs, with mainly one goal: making every student enthusiastic about the learning process and more and more confident. I use a communicative approach and I can offer classes of Italian languages, cinema, culture, gestures, focuses on grammar, conversation, etc.
A presto!
Olivia
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
The lesson answered all my expectations. The conversation was fluent. Olivia was very sensitive to my goals. I thank her for this lovely experience. to be continued… 12 weeks later, and I am so satisfied and grateful. The lessons are lively and fun. to be continued...
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My name is Mara, I took a Master's in Foreign Languages and Translation (English and German) and then I started working as a Teacher to kids and adults. Since my students are aged between 1 and 69 years old, I developed 3 different methods:
1. Fluency - for intermediate/upper intermediate students, mainly based on listening and speaking; specific topics.
2. TPR - total physical response, all levels, mainly based on activities, role plays and board games.
3. Traditional - all levels, grammar, listening, speaking and writing/reading with a traditional approach
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Mara is an experienced teach who is passionate about teaching English to people of all ages. I recommend her to anyone
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi, my name is Alessia, I teach Italian to foreigners.
I got a degree in "DAMS" (Disciplines of Arts, Music, and Entertainment), a degree in "Italian Literature, language, and Culture - Cultural Promotion Curriculum", the CEDILS certification from the Ca' Foscari University of Venice for the teaching of 'Italian to foreigners and I am a CELI examiner of the CEDIS Lazio network. I have collaborated on various educational projects, language learning apps, and educational and recreational videos for children.
I am available to help you with your projects if you need help writing for example a theme, a letter, or your curriculum vitae.
An example of one of my lessons to learn the language in a more fun way? Through the analysis of a scene taken from an Italian film, we will analyze the syntax, grammar, idioms, and puns, we will hear the accents so that you too can speak like an Italian.
I can help you learn Italian in many ways, personalizing the lessons as much as possible according to your needs.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Alessia is a goal-oriented and very professional teacher who I can recommend highly. She targets a students weak points allowing one to improve rapidly. We worked with various mediums e.g. documentaries, textbooks, written and verbal exercises, all specifically chosen to meet the needs and interests of the student.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello, everybody ! My name is Elena. I’m a native Italian speaker, I’m 49 years old and live in Turin. I am a certified CEDILS teacher, I graduated in Foreign Languages and Literature in Milan and have been working as a teacher of Italian for more than 10 years. I speak English and German. I attended specialization courses for Italian L2 teachers and I am interviewer for C1 PLIDA exam.
Are you seeking a friendly and dynamic study environment ? I got what you need. I am looking forward to being in touch with new students and organize pleasant, interesting and fruitful courses.
Do you wish to learn or improve your Italian to speak with your parents or friends? Do you need Italian for work or study ? Do you simply love Italian language and culture ? Do you need to improve your writing skills ?
My classes are tailored on your needs and considering your level of knowledge, I create a proper course plan. Classes focus on language and on the possibility for you to improve your ability to speak and understand Italian in your daily life or in work.
I offer 1-to-1 or 2-to-1 tuition, general Italian courses (grammar, conversation, listening, reading and writing), preparation to Italian examinations (all levels, also Italian for residence permit) and Italian and culture courses.
Grammar, vocabulary exercises, reading articles and magazines and talking together are all tools to feel at ease with the Italian language and then be able to practice it.
I have worked with children, adolescents and adults for all levels of Italian, from beginner to advanced. I have experience in preparing students to international certification (CILS, PLIDA). I was an A2/B1 Telc examiner.
Learning Italian can be closely related to culture, literature, music, sport and any other interest of my students.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Elena was friendly and encouraging and gave me good advice about preparing for my Italian language exam. I am looking forward to more lessons with her :)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello Everybody
My name is Luisa and I teach Italian for foreign students, English, French and German for Italian students
Since 1994, I have dedicated myself to translating and teaching thanks to my travels, abroad studies, foreign reading and writing. I provide fun and customized lessons based on the student's goals. I also triy to minimize English speaking during the lessons. I give homework exercises, and my lessons are intermixed with grammar, conversation, customs and traditions. My goal is to make certain that each student finds learning Italian exciting.
I am available for any explanations also via e mail
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Luisa is a really nice teacher with a lovely personality. She makes you feel very comfortable and will tailor the lessons for you. Thank you Luisa.
Luisa A.Dear Veronica, thank you, thank you so much !! :-))
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
**Other time slots can be made available upon request. Don't hesitate to get in touch**
Native speaker from Paris with about 15 years of teaching experience. I’m well-travelled, and I’ve lived and worked in different parts of the world (Europe, Latin America, North America, Africa, Australia and a little bit in Asia).
I have a postgraduate degree (France) in Languages, Literature and Cultural Studies and I’m currently a freelance translator. I’ve previously worked at universities in France and abroad (South Africa/Australia) and have a solid experience in teaching (French Language, Literature, Philosophy, Cultural Studies, Creative Writing, etc.), designing courses, evaluating and guiding students, preparing students for exams/job interviews/professional presentations, managing a Language and Literature department at the university, presenting papers at academic conferences worldwide, publishing, translating and journalism. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to teach people with different profiles and from various backgrounds: international professionals, university students, beginner translators and teachers, high school students, retirees, travellers, francophiles, children (help with homework), etc.
Being an open-minded, flexible and patient teacher, I enjoy helping others to discover their potential and to explore it. Adapting myself to my students' needs, pace and objectives is essential for me, and designing the best way to work with each student is very stimulating and rewarding.
After the initial introductory lesson, I will design customised lesson plans that will evolve as you progress. We can also, at any time during the programme, change our working method if you wish to do so. I remain very flexible in that regard.
The learning materials will be varied, and we will choose together the themes and aspects of French language to be covered, in line with your objectives. In any case, I am very attentive in general, so please don't hesitate to make any suggestions.
Regardless of your level and objectives, I'm sure that we can find the best way possible to share and enjoy this French language adventure together.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Priscilla is a very competent and experienced French teacher. She prepares the lessons very carefully and focuses on all relevant aspects such as conversation, grammar and vocabulary. Above all, she has a very friendly personality that makes you feel at ease immediately. I can highly recommend her as a French teacher.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi, guys! My name is Lucia and I would like to invite you to learn Italian with me.
I am both a native speaker and a QUALIFIED teacher, as I hold a post-graduate degree in “Teaching Italian as a second language” and a national certification as teacher of Italian to not-native speaking.
My teaching method is COMMUNICATION-oriented and involves also the study of Italian culture and grammar. Indeed, as it happens in your mother language, the knowledge of spare words is not enough to get able to speak (i.e. INTERACT!) properly and conveniently.
I’ll prepare for you all teaching materials, tailoring lessons to your needs and interests, taking advantage from both the huge number of textbooks I hold and my creativity!
I offer lessons for all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced, as well as support in preparation to certification exams (I am also qualified ad examiner for the oral part of CELI).
Do not hesitate to get in contact with me to find a suitable time-slot for your trial lesson!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I highly recommend Lucia, she is an amazing teacher, very pedagogical and explains all the rules in a very comprehensible manner. The program/book she uses is great, words are easy to remember and the exercises are interesting and interactive. 5 out of 5!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
See you online!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Daniela is a wonderful teacher and a pleasure to talk to. Any student would be lucky to have her as a teacher. Thank you Daniela for your help with my Italian!!!
Daniela V.Ciao Robbie, thanks a lot for your feedback. I'm very happy you like the classes together and I'll do my best to keep them as fun and interesting as possible :-)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials