Reflexive verbs in French
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 pronominal verbs (French: les verbes pronominaux) are verbs that conjugate with a reflected pronoun of the same person as the subject.
These verbs can be recognized by the fact that they form the infinitive with "themselves" (in French "se"):
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
Use | Examples | Translation |
---|---|---|
passive pronominal verbs | Cette leçon se comprend bien | The lesson is comprehensible |
reflexive pronominal verbs | Je ne me sens pas bien | I am not feeling good |
reciprocal pronominal verbs | Ils se disputent chaque fois | They always fight |
subjective or non-reflexive | Julien se moque de son frère | Julian is laughing at his brother |
Reflexive verbs must always be used with the corresponding object pronoun, which always refers to the subject and is therefore also called a reflexive pronoun.The reflexive pronouns are me, te, se, nous and vous and when the verb begins with a vowel me, te and se become me, t' and s'. In addition, the reflexive pronoun must always stand between pronoun and verb:
Pronom personnel | Présent | Passé composé | Imparfait | Plus-que-parfait | Futur simple |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
je | me lave | me suis lavé | me lavais | m'étais lavé | me laverai |
tu | te laves | t'es lavé | te lavais | t'étais lavé | te laveras |
il/elle/on | se lave | s'est lavé | se lavait | s'était lavé | se lavera |
nous | nous lavons | nous sommes lavés | nous lavions | nous étions lavé | nous laverons |
vous | vous lavez | vous êtes lavés | vous laviez | vous étiez lavé | vous laverez |
ils/elles | se lavent | se sont lavés | se lavaient | s'étaient lavé | se laveront |
Pronom Personnel | Présent | Passé composé | Imparfait | plus-que-parfait | futur simple |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
je | m'exclame | me suis exclamé(e) | m'exclamais | m'étais exclamé(e) | m'exclamerai |
tu | t'exclames | t'es exclamé(e) | t'exclamais | t'étais exclamé(e) | t'exclameras |
il/elle/on | s'exclame | s'est exclamé(e) | s'exclamait | s'était exclamé(e) | s'exclamera |
nous | nous exclamerons | nous sommes exclamé(e) | nous exclamions | nous étions exclamé(e)s | nous exclamerons |
vous | vous exclamez | vous êtes exclamé(e) | vous exclamiez | vous étiez exclamé(e)s | vous exclamerez |
ils/elles | s'exclament | se sont exclamé(e)s | s'exclamaient | s'étaient exclamé(e)s | s'exclameront |
In a negative sentence, one element of negation "ne" is placed before the pronoun and the other element of negation "pas" after the verb.
Some verbs have both a reflexive and non-reflexive forms as listed below:
Non-reflexive | Reflexive |
---|---|
appeler (to call someone) | s'appeler (to be called) |
baigner (to bathe someone) | se baigner (to bath oneself) |
lever (to raise) | se lever (to rise) |
arrêter (to arrest) | s'arrêter (to stop) |
attendre (to wait for) | s'attendre (to expect sth) |
coucher (to lay) | se coucher (to go to bed) |
éteindre (to turn off) | s'éteindre (to go out, to die) |
marier (to marry) | se marier (to get married) |
promener (to walk) | se promener (to go for a walk) |
rappeler (to call back) | se rappeler (to remember) |
réveiller (to wake someone up) | se réveiller (to wake up) |
tromper (to deceive) | se tromper (to be mistaken) |
tuer (to murder) | se tuer (to kill oneself) |
The following verbs occur only in the reflexive form:
To refer doing something to parts of the body, French uses a reflexive verb with the definite article, whereas English uses a possessive.
Examples | Translations |
---|---|
Olivier se lave les mains | Olivier washes his hands |
Nous nous lavons le visage | We wash our face |
Elle se brosse les cheveux | She brushes her hair |
Some verbs represent an idiomatic use of the reflexive pronoun, they do not reflect reflexive or reciprocal actions.
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
Hello,
I am a multilingual teacher with experience in teaching French to German, Japanese, English, Bulgarian and Italian-speaking students, etc. (levels A1 to C1).
I have been teaching French for 8 years in Luxemburg and now in Bulgaria for 4 years, to teenagers, housewives, businessmen, employees, doctors, etc. I can also help you with DELF and DALF preparation. I give lessons via Skype, Zoom and Microsoft Teams in several countries.
My teaching method for each class : a grammar point together with listening, a lot of speaking with conversation questions or games. While you speak, I write all the new words you need to express yourself, illustrated by pictures or translated in your language.
I do my best to make you feel comfortable to speak and for you to have a pleasant time. According to me, using humour will help you learn more easily.
Whether you need to learn French for business, integration in a French-speaking country or studying, I will be happy to help you. Do not hesitate to contact me for a free trial lesson.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Katia
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I was so pleased with my lesson with Katia. She speaks a clear French that is easy to follow and handles the technology brilliantly. She is a good listener and instantly types up vocabulary words, generating a list so I could reinforce and see what I had learned. I was really impressed. I highly recommend her for learning French.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello everyone!
My name is Wanda, I'm 27 and I'm French.
I have a Master's Degree in Teaching French as a Foreign Language from the University of Sorbonne Nouvelle, Paris, as well as 3 years of teaching experience (face-to-face, remote courses, or group classes).
I can teach you everything from grammar to culture, but I am particularly able to help you get a better pronunciation! Indeed, I also have a Master's Degree in Linguistics, for which I wrote a thesis about the pronunciation of people learning French as a foreign language =)
Regarding pronunciation, I'll help you without any judgment and only if you express the need to improve!
I studied one year in Japan (Osaka) where I gave French classes at the University of Kansai. During this time, I met a lot of people from various background and I became very open-minded and comfortable with different cultures.
What I like the most in teaching French is getting to meet and know people from different cultures =)
So, I'll be waiting for you! =)
See you soon,
Wanda
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Wanda is a fantastic teacher, she's always up to solve problems and doubts. She teaches from grammar to speaking, with a good emphasis on pronunciation and phonetics which are essential in French!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello everyone, and welcome to my classroom. I hope you are all doing well. My name is Kimberley, and I live in South Africa. I have an honors degree in Environmental health. My hobbies include hiking, cooking, singing, participating in outdoor activities as well as 0reading books. I enjoy engaging in conversations with people whether old or young and have excellent interpersonal skills. In my classroom, I can help you with pronunciation of words, grammar and reading comprehension. My classes are never dull as I make it as interesting and practical as it can be. Lastly the motto of this classroom is practice makes perfect. I hope to see you in my lessons very soon.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Kimberley is a friendly and professional teacher with excellent English books and an impeccable teaching method. She is perfect for those just starting out in the English language and highly recommended for school and college students.
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, 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
Having online lessons with a teacher really helped me to keep up my study pace, and provided me with the essential opportunity to practice speaking (and 'real time' sentence building) to someone, who can also correct me on my pronunciation. On top of that, being a native speaker and current resident in Italy, Lucia also helped me to understand the cultural influences and tricks and habits of the Italian language. I liked that she could recommend a study book and also provided online excercises and assessments from the book, which she could revise as my homework. This provided both me and her with more possibility for feedback during the lessons. Lucia did not speak my native language (Dutch), but this was not a hindrance as we could communicate in English and quite quickly shift to mostly Italian instructions anyway :) The study pace was quite slow in my opinion (i.e. a quarter book lesson per online lesson), as Lucia used this time to make sure the basis was strong, before moving forward perhaps too soon. However, especially for some wider range in 'holiday-sentences' or general vocabulary it was good for me to have some additional excercises/podcasts on the side (or to move forward in the book on your own), to help me learn faster. However, especially with listening to podcasts it was really really good to have the solid (also grammar- and spellingwise) basis of the lessons with Lucia, as additional materials would otherwise never land on 'fertile ground'. The lessons are essential in moving forward with the language. Lucia herself is super nice, patient and open for questions or any input during the lessons, and her cheerfulness makes the studying all the more fun.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Dear future student,
My name is Mélanie, I am 40 years old, I am Belgian and I live near Brussels in Belgium.
I have 7 years of experience in teaching French as a foreign language. I have a degree in Modern Languages and Literature. I have an agrégation in higher secondary education. French is my mother tongue. Additionally I have a C2 level in Spanish.
I have taught adults (beginner - advanced) in various training institutions (CLL, CVO Semper, ...). I have taught both large and small groups. I can therefore adapt my teaching methods according to the number of people.
As far as my teaching methods are concerned, I create communicative exercises.
I always try to get the student to express themselves as much as possible. In case of groups, I create individual exercises, in groups of two or four.
I give homework in which the students have to write a short text related to a grammatical concept they have seen. I also give additional grammatical exercises.
I also test my students' knowledge. For example, during the course, I listen to my students and comment on their oral productions. I also do small listening comprehensions and reading comprehensions.
I can also explain certain grammatical points or translate certain words into the student's language if it is needed, but generally I always try to teach in the target language.
If my student is looking for a job, I can also help him/her to write his/her CV and cover letter and also prepare his/her interview.
If my student works in a company, I can also prepare exercises specific to the company's field. I have given courses to warehouse workers for Delhaize, to plumbers, to students in Tourism.
I also taught asylum seekers.
As far as teaching material is concerned, I use a lot of material from Zexperts fle https://leszexpertsfle.com/toutes-les-ressources-fle/ which I adapt to the objectives of the lesson. I also look for exercises in FLE manuals such as Totem, Edito, Alter Ego, Expression orale... Naturally, I adapt the exercises according to the needs of the student. I also look for songs in YouTube.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I have had about 10 lessons in French from Mélanie. We treated a lot of different subjects such as grammar, talking and listening exercises. Mélanie is a very good and patient teacher and I learned a lot in these lessons on how to communicate in French.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am a professional English tutor with online teaching experience. In my class, you won’t need to memorise long lists of vocabulary. Instead, we will discuss interesting topics and practice language that you want to learn. With my artistic background, I can create creative and fun lessons suited to the student's learning goals. I like using colorful PowerPoint slides, flashcards and videos to demonstrate my learning points.
I am a friendly, patient person, because I know that learning a new language can sometimes be very scary. My classroom is a safe, comfortable space that encourages mistakes, because this is the best way to learn. I am creative and use music/dancing where possible to re-energize my students. This makes learning the subjects you don't enjoy, fun, as we may sing songs that target grammar structures or vocabulary.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Savannah is a wonderful and lovely teacher; thanks to her I was able to pass an important exam. She can understand your needs and suggest you how to improve your skills She is an understanding person and is able to make each lesson interesting and pleasant , focusing on useful subjets I think she is perfect for both adult and young students. In addition, having South Africa and Europe the same time zone, it makes convenient and easy to schedule lessons!
Savannah T.Thank you so much Elena. It was such a pleasure to teach you. You always had so much to say so our lessons were always fun. I am so proud of your accomplishments. Well done!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi! My name is Caterina and I'm a teacher.
I love learning new languages and meet new students.
I have experience in teaching Italian to foreign students and I also have the CEDILS certificate to teach Italian as second/foreign language.
During my classes I speak just Italian and I help you improve in all the abilities (listening, reading, speaking, writing).
I am also available for classes in specific fields, such as Literature, Italian History, Art, Linguistics, Academic writing and getting ready for Italian exams.
I prepare my classes using authentic materials (articles, videos, songs...) and exercises to improve grammar. Most of all, I let you talk to become confident in your speaking.
All the classes are personalized according to students' needs and requests.
I want you to achieve your goals.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Very talented teacher, excellent preparation, young but at the same time experienced, with an excellent teaching method and a contagious smile. With her, you will learn Italian without getting bored for a second and without any problem. Absolutely recommended.
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
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Very social and helpful teacher with an excellent grasp on how to improve your french in a structured fashion. The informal style is very pleasant and will help you acquire the language in a natural, unforced fashion. The teaching materials and tools used are geared to your level and are a great help in smoothing out the learning curve. Recommended for anyone who enjoys a learn by doing approach with the help of proven teaching tools and documents.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello,
Are you looking to learn or improve your French in a Fun and relaxed atmosphere?
Look no further !
My name is Anissa and I'm a French native and certified teacher.
Focusing on each student's individual level, interests, and goals, my online classes are effective to achieve impressive learning results in a shorter period of time. The courses will be based on your personal needs and during the class you will receive direct explanations, correction and feedback in order to instantly improve your language skills.
Whether you want to learn French for your own pleasure or preparing for an exam, an upcoming interview or a presentation at work, I will be happy to assist you in reaching your goals.
My online classes are available at any time! Choose a subject from my curriculum or request your own topic, date, time and start master your French!
I look forward to meeting you,
Anissa, your French (and nice) teacher :)
*Please note that I'm not offering a free trial anymore*
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
As always, Anissa continues to excel. She is a pleasure to work with, helpful in every way. I always enjoy our lessons.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Bonjour! Veux-tu apprendre français? ou l'améliorer?
My classes are structured according to my students' needs, I use different teaching methods and I rely on listening each of my students' expectations and goals. Dynamism and constant learning are my purposes in my classes.
I have worked as a French teacher for more than ten years.
I have academic studies in English and French from Montréal, Canada, where I lived for several years. I have a Bachelor in Teaching French as a foreign language from the Université de Bourgogne.
I learned French at an early age in immersion in a French-speaking region and I studied French formally for 11 years, obtaining a native level.
À bientôt!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I’ve worked on my French with Natalia for several weeks now, and I’m enjoying it a lot. I speak a lot during the lessons, which is exactly what I need at the moment. There is always a good balance of working on grammar and practising conversation. I’m looking forward to continue my lessons over the next few months :)
Natalia L.Eline already speaks and writes very good and we are working towards achieving an advanced level of French. We always have many topics of conversations and I see how she always improves fer French.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Beatrice is specialized in teaching Italian for all levels. She has language certificates from DITALS for Italian and CELTA for English. Other than her knowledge of the Italian language, she can also speak English, and Spanish. Her multilingual skills allow her to offer the students a chance for better communication during her classes. Beatrice’s teaching method depends on what fits your level. In her, you will find a well-prepared, expert, and friendly teacher. She relies on several books for teaching the Italian languagen, like: Dieci, Nuovo Contatto, Domani, Progetto Italiano, and Nuovo Magari. With Beatrice, you'll learn faster than you can imagine!
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,
I m claudie , I m french and i have experience to teach french to foreign people.
I create in a school of langage in Spain a little faculty for my french lessons with a group from 15 years olds until 25.
The pupils were all the levels A1 until C2!
I was teaching as well with lillte children and adults in Spain and Rumania.
I m a very dynamic teacher with a lot of patient and empathy.
You will make a lot of progress!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I have started with French courses because I needed to improve my French language for work. Claudie is a great teacher who comes up with materials that suit my medical interests and needs. Claudie makes the lessons interesting and relaxed and she’s remarkably patient. Thanks Claudie for the great lessons!!!
Claudie S.Thank you very much for this comment, always a pleasure to help you learn the French language !!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Alessandra is a teacher of Italian, history and geography. She teaches in Milan as a substitute teacher. She participated in the Dante Alighieri teaching course in Milan and has Ditals level 1 certification. Her teaching method is based on the level of the student. Her motto is: teaching in a creative way. She uses the Dieci Alma edition to teach.
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