Introduction to reflexive verbs
In Italian, you use reflexive verbs when the subject is also the receiver of the action. These are extremely common when talking about daily routines.
In their infinitive (dictionary) form, reflexive verbs drop their final e and add -si to the end.
Reflexive pronouns
To conjugate a reflexive verb, place the matching reflexive pronoun immediately before the conjugated verb.
Here are the reflexive pronouns, using lavarsi (to wash oneself) as an example:
| Subject | Reflexive Pronoun | Lavarsi |
|---|
| io | mi | mi lavo |
| tu | ti | ti lavi |
| lui / lei | si | si lava |
| noi | ci | ci laviamo |
| voi | vi | vi lavate |
| loro | si | si lavano |
Body parts and routines
When washing or grooming parts of your body, Italian handles possession differently than English. Instead of using possessive adjectives (like my or your), use the reflexive pronoun to show who the action is happening to, along with a definite article (il, la, i, le) before the body part.
For example, instead of saying "I wash my face", you literally say "I wash to myself the face" (mi lavo il viso).
Getting ready for the day
Many other morning routine actions use reflexive verbs, such as vestirsi (to get dressed), prepararsi (to get ready), and pettinarsi (to comb one's hair). Always include the matching reflexive pronoun before the verb.
