Italian grammar · Elementary (A2)
Reflexive verbs: mi chiamo, mi alzo
Verbs like chiamarsi and alzarsi that use mi, ti, si: their forms, daily-routine verbs and the past.
What reflexive verbs are
A reflexive verb is used with a small pronoun (, , , , , ) that refers back to the subject. In the dictionary, the infinitive ends in -si: (to get up), literally “to raise oneself”.
The pronoun goes before the verb and changes with the person. The verb itself is conjugated as usual.
| Person | (get up) | (get dressed) |
|---|---|---|
| / / | ||
Everyday reflexive verbs
Many verbs for daily routines are reflexive in Italian, even when English doesn't use “myself”.
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| to be called | |
| to wake up | |
| to get up | |
| to wash (yourself) | |
| to get dressed | |
| to feel | |
| to rest | |
| to have fun | |
| to remember |
- Mi sveglio alle sette.I wake up at seven.
- Come ti senti oggi?How are you feeling today?
- Ci divertiamo molto.We're having a lot of fun.
Negation, infinitives and the past
goes before the pronoun: (I don't remember). With an infinitive, the pronoun can join the end of it: or (I have to get up early).
In the passato prossimo, reflexive verbs always use , so the participle agrees with the subject: (a man speaking), (a woman speaking). With , and , some verbs mean “each other”: (we met), (they swapped numbers).
- Non mi sento bene.I don't feel well.
- Domani voglio riposarmi.Tomorrow I want to rest.
- Stamattina Chiara si è svegliata tardi.This morning Chiara woke up late.
- Vi siete divertiti alla festa?Did you have fun at the party?