Croatian uses the dative reflexive pronoun to express that an action is performed for your own benefit or comfort. It adds a personal nuance, indicating you are treating yourself.
The short form: si
The short dative reflexive pronoun is si. As an enclitic, it must take the second position in a sentence or clause.
| Sometimes you must indulge yourself. | Ponekad si moraš ugoditi. |
si is frequently used when talking about relaxing or getting something for your own enjoyment.
| I will buy myself new pajamas for an undisturbed rest. | Kupit ću si novu pidžamu za neometan odmor. |
| I found myself excellent reading material and leaned back in the armchair. | Našla sam si odlično štivo i zavalila se u fotelju. |
| I brought myself snacks and leaned back on the couch. | Donijela sam si grickalice i zavalila se na kauč. |
Adding si emphasizes that the action was done entirely for the subject's comfort.
The long form: sebi
The long (emphatic) dative form is sebi. Use sebi to emphasize that you are doing something for yourself as opposed to someone else.
| I finally indulged myself, and not others. | Konačno sam ugodio sebi, a ne drugima. |
| I will prepare tea for myself alone. | Sama ću sebi pripremiti čaj. |
Unlike the short form, sebi is not an enclitic and can be placed freely in the sentence for emphasis.
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