REFLEXIVE VERBS

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Reflexive verbs express an action which has an effect on the subject itself which performs it, directly reflecting upon it.

Example:
" Io mi preparo. "
This phrase means: I prepare myself.

There are three different types of reflexive verbs:

• diretti or propri  (the subject's action has an effect on the subject itself)

  Example:
  "Io mi lavo."
  This phrase means: I wash myself.

• reciproci  (the action has an effect between two people or two groups)

  Example:
  "Antonio e Marco si salutano."
  This phrase means: Antonio greets Marco and Marco greets Antonio.

• indiretti or impropri  (the subject's action has an effect on the subject itself, but not in a direct form)

  Example:
  "Io mi metto la giacca."
  This phrase means: I put the jacket ON myself

Reflexive verbs are divided into three groups by form:

• -ARSI  (corresponds to the normal conjugation of –ARE group + the reflexive pronoun)

  Example:
  "Io mi guardo allo specchio."

• -ERSI  (corresponds to the normal conjugation of –ERE group + the reflexive pronoun)

  Example:
  "Io mi metto la giacca."

• -IRSI  (corresponds to the normal conjugation of –IRE group + the reflexive pronoun)

  Example:
  "Io mi vesto in modo elegante."

Note:
Reflexive verbs are constructed like this: reflexive pronoun (MI, TI, SI, CI, VI, SI) + normal form of the verb.

Attention:
Reflexive verbs ALWAYS use the verb essere as an auxiliary.

Go to: arsi > ersi > irsi

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