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Verbi reciproci
Reciprocal verbs are a type of pronominal verb, meaning they have both a subject pronoun and a reflexive pronoun. In the case of reciprocal verbs, the reflexive pronoun indicates that the action of the verb is exchanged between two or more subjects acting upon each other.
Per esempio…
| Si amano. | They love each other. | |
| Ci conosciamo. | We know each other. | |
| Vi parlate spesso? | Do you talk to each other often? |
Most common Italian reciprocal verbs
| adorarsi | to adore each other | |
| amarsi | to love each other | |
| ascoltarsi | to listen to each other | |
| baciarsi | to kiss each other | |
| cercarsi | to look for each other | |
| chiamarsi | to call each other | |
| comprendersi | to understand each other | |
| conoscersi | to know each other | |
| farsi del male | to hurt each other | |
| guardarsi | to look at each other | |
| incontrarsi | to meet each other | |
| lasciarsi | to leave each other | |
| litigarsi | to fight with each other | |
| odiarsi | to hate each other | |
| parlarsi | to talk to each other | |
| promettersi | to promise each other | |
| raccontarsi | to tell each other | |
| scriversi | to write to each other | |
| sorridersi | to smile at each other | |
| superarsi | to outdo/outwit each other | |
| vedersi | to see each other |
Note that most of these verbs can also be reflexive. To stress the reciprocal nature of the verb, you can include something like
- l’un l’altro – each other
- mutuamente – mutually
- reciprocamente – reciprocally
- tra noi/voi/loro – between us/you/them
All of the above verbs require a reflexive pronoun when they indicate that the subjects are acting upon each other. But remember than they can also be used non-reflexively, to express the verb’s action directed at someone or something else (or nothing, in the case of intransitive verbs).
In confronto…
| Si guardano. | vs | Guardano al tv. |
| They’re looking at each other. |
They’re looking at the TV. |
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| Vi sorridete. | vs | Sorridete. |
| You’re smiling at each other. | You’re smiling. |
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Ciao! I’m Laura K Lawless, creator, writer, editor, and CLO (Chief Lawless Officer) of this free online Italian learning site. Lawless Italian is an official Lawless Languages site.
