Language/Catalan/Grammar/Reflexive-verbs

Catalan → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Advanced Catalan grammar → Reflexive verbs

Introduction

In this lesson, we will delve into the advanced aspects of Catalan grammar by focusing on reflexive verbs. Reflexive verbs are an important part of the language and understanding their usage is crucial for achieving fluency in Catalan. We will explore the different conjugations of reflexive verbs in various tenses and moods, and provide numerous examples to illustrate each point. Additionally, we will discuss any regional variations in the usage of reflexive verbs and provide interesting cultural insights related to this topic. By the end of this lesson, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to use reflexive verbs in Catalan.

Reflexive Verbs

Reflexive verbs in Catalan are verbs that reflect the action back onto the subject. This means that the subject of the sentence is also the object of the verb. Reflexive verbs are formed by adding a reflexive pronoun to the end of the verb. The reflexive pronouns in Catalan are:

• em (myself)
• et (yourself)
• es (himself/herself/itself)
• ens (ourselves)
• us (yourselves)
• es (themselves)

Reflexive Verbs in the Present Tense

In the present tense, reflexive verbs are conjugated according to the regular verb conjugation patterns. Let's take a look at the conjugation of the reflexive verb "llevar-se" (to wake up):

Catalan	Pronunciation	English
em llevo	em 'ʎəβu	I wake up
et lleves	et 'ʎəβəs	You wake up
es lleva	es 'ʎəβə	He/She/It wakes up
ens llevem	ens 'ʎəβəm	We wake up
us llevau	us 'ʎəβau	You wake up
es lleven	es 'ʎəβən	They wake up

As you can see, the reflexive pronouns are placed before the conjugated verb. The conjugation of the verb remains the same as the regular verb conjugation.

Reflexive Verbs in the Past Tense

In the past tense, reflexive verbs are conjugated using the auxiliary verb "haver" (to have) and the past participle of the reflexive verb. Let's take a look at the conjugation of the reflexive verb "rentar-se" (to wash oneself) in the past tense:

Catalan	Pronunciation	English
em vaig rentar	em vaʒ ɾən'taɾ	I washed myself
et vas rentar	et vas ɾən'taɾ	You washed yourself
es va rentar	es va ɾən'taɾ	He/She/It washed himself/herself/itself
ens vam rentar	ens vam ɾən'taɾ	We washed ourselves
us vau rentar	us vau ɾən'taɾ	You washed yourselves
es van rentar	es van ɾən'taɾ	They washed themselves

In the past tense, the reflexive pronouns are placed before the auxiliary verb "haver" and the past participle of the reflexive verb is added at the end.

Reflexive Verbs in the Subjunctive Mood

Reflexive verbs in the subjunctive mood are conjugated following the same patterns as regular verbs in the subjunctive mood. Let's take a look at the conjugation of the reflexive verb "despertar-se" (to wake up) in the present subjunctive:

Catalan	Pronunciation	English
em desperti	em dəs'peɾti	I wake up
et despertis	et dəs'peɾtis	You wake up
es desperti	es dəs'peɾti	He/She/It wakes up
ens despertem	ens dəs'peɾtəm	We wake up
us desperteu	us dəs'peɾtəw	You wake up
es despertin	es dəs'peɾtin	They wake up

The reflexive pronouns are placed before the conjugated verb, following the regular verb conjugation patterns in the subjunctive mood.

Cultural Insights

In Catalan-speaking regions, the use of reflexive verbs is an integral part of everyday language. It reflects the importance of self-care and personal responsibility in Catalan culture. The use of reflexive verbs extends beyond basic actions like waking up or washing oneself. It also includes verbs related to emotions, thoughts, and personal growth. For example, "reflexionar-se" (to reflect on oneself) and "coneixeure's" (to get to know oneself) are commonly used reflexive verbs that emphasize self-awareness and self-improvement. Understanding the cultural nuances of reflexive verbs can greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Catalan-speaking communities.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have explored the conjugation of reflexive verbs in different tenses and moods, let's practice using them in context. Complete the following exercises by conjugating the reflexive verbs in the given sentences. Solutions and explanations will be provided afterwards.

1. Els nens ___________ (rentar-se) abans de sopar. 2. No em ___________ (despertar) fins a les onze del matí. 3. Us ___________ (assecar-se) amb una tovallola després de dutxar-vos. 4. La Maria ___________ (maquillar-se) abans de sortir de casa. 5. Ens ___________ (afaitar-se) cada matí abans d'anar a treballar. 6. Els gats ___________ (llepar-se) per netejar-se el pèl.

Solutions: 1. Els nens es renten abans de sopar. 2. No em desperto fins a les onze del matí. 3. Us assecareu amb una tovallola després de dutxar-vos. 4. La Maria es maquilla abans de sortir de casa. 5. Ens afaitem cada matí abans d'anar a treballar. 6. Els gats es llepen per netejar-se el pèl.

Explanation: 1. "Els nens" is the subject, so we use the reflexive pronoun "es" before the verb "renten." 2. "Em" is the reflexive pronoun for the first person singular, so we use "despertar" in the first person singular form: "despertar". 3. "Us" is the reflexive pronoun for the second person plural, so we use "assecareu" in the second person plural form: "assecareu". 4. "La Maria" is the subject, so we use the reflexive pronoun "es" before the verb "maquilla". 5. "Ens" is the reflexive pronoun for the first person plural, so we use "afaitem" in the first person plural form: "afaitem". 6. "Els gats" is the subject, so we use the reflexive pronoun "es" before the verb "llepen".

Conclusion

In this lesson, we have explored the use of reflexive verbs in Catalan. We have learned about their conjugation in different tenses and moods, and discussed their cultural significance in Catalan-speaking communities. By practicing with reflexive verbs, you will become more proficient in expressing actions that involve oneself in Catalan. Keep practicing and incorporating reflexive verbs into your conversations to further develop your language skills. Congratulations on your progress in mastering Catalan grammar!

Table of Contents - Catalan Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Introduction to Catalan

• Alphabet and Pronunciation
• Basic Sentence Structure

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Greetings and Introductions

• Common Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

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Articles and Nouns

• Definite and Indefinite Articles
• Noun Gender and Plurals

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Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-100
• Telling Time

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Adjectives and Pronouns

• Adjective Agreement
• Personal Pronouns

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Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Describing Relationships

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Verbs and Tenses

• Regular Verbs
• Irregular Verbs

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Food and Dining

• Food Vocabulary
• At the Restaurant

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Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Common Prepositions
• Coordinating Conjunctions

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Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Travel Phrases

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Catalan Culture

• History and Geography
• Traditions and Celebrations

Sources

• Catalan: Reflexive Verbs
• Catalan personal pronouns - Wikipedia
• Catalan Grammar TOC

Other Lessons

• Passive voice
• Nouns
• Indefinite Articles in Catalan
• Questions
• Accusative Case in Catalan
• Conditional Mood
• Plurals
• Personal pronouns
• Introduction to pronouns
• Past tense conjugation