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Verbi riflessivi
Reflexive verbs are the most common type of pronominal verb. Here, the reflexive pronoun indicates that the subject of the verb is performing the action on him/her/itself, rather than on someone or something else. The majority of reflexive verbs have to do with one’s body, clothing, relationships, or state of mind.
Per esempio…
| Si guarda allo specchio. | She’s looking at herself in the mirror. | |
| Mi alzo alle sette. | I get up at 7am. | |
| Ti vesti troppo lentamente. | You’re dressing too slowly. |
Most common Italian reflexive verbs
| accomodarsi | to sit down | |
| addormentarsi | to fall asleep | |
| alzarsi | to get up | |
| annoiarsi | to get bored | |
| arrabbiarsi | to get angry | |
| chiamarsi | to be called | |
| chiedersi | to wonder | |
| divertirsi | to have fun | |
| fermarsi | to stop | |
| innamorarsi | to fall in love | |
| lavarsi (le mani), la faccia) | to wash (one’s hands, face) | |
| perdersi | to get lost | |
| pettinarsi | to comb one’s hair | |
| preoccuparsi | to worry | |
| prepararsi | to get ready | |
| radersi | to shave (oneself) | |
| ricordarsi | to remember | |
| rompersi (la gamba, il braccio) | to break (one’s leg, arm) | |
| sbrigarsi | to hurry | |
| sedersi | to sit down | |
| sentirsi | to feel | |
| spogliarsi | to get undressed | |
| sposarsi | to get married | |
| svegliarsi | to wake up | |
| vestirsi | to get dressed |
Note that many of these verbs can also be reciprocal.
All of the above verbs require a reflexive pronoun when they indicate that the subject is doing something to itself. But they can also be used non-reflexively, indicating that the action of the verb is directed at someone or something else.
In confronto…
| Mi sveglio alle sette. | vs | La sveglio alle sette. |
| I wake up at 7am. |
I wake her up at 7am. |
|
| Si rasa il mento. | vs | Rasa il mento di suo figlio. |
| He’s shaving his (own) chin. | He’s shaving his son’s chin. |
When talking about parts of the body, the reflexive pronoun and a definite article indicate the owner of that part of the body, rather than the possessive adjective that is used in English.
Per esempio…
| Mi lavo la faccia. | ||
| I’m washing my face. |
||
| Si pettina i capelli. | ||
| He’s combing his hair. |
Reflexive verbs are just one type of pronominal verb – more details coming soon.
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