Les pronoms réfléchis Reflexive

When something does something to itself, a reflexive pronoun is used. The reflexive pronouns are exactly like the direct object pronouns except for the third person singular and plural forms.

  Je me lave les mains. I wash my hands
  Je lave le bébé. I wash the baby.
  Elle se peigne les cheveux. She combs her hair.
  Elle peigne les cheveux de sa fille. She combs the hair of her daughter.
  Il se lève. He gets up.
  Il lève les poids He lifts the weights.

Reflexive pronouns are also used when a reflexive relationship doesn't truly exist. In these situations the pronouns serve to distinguish the verbs from the transitive forms.

  David se marie avec Jeanne. David is marrying Jeanne.
  Le curé marie David et Jeanne. The priest is marrying David and Jeanne.
  Elle s'appelle Anne. She is called Anne.
  Il appelle son père. He calls his father.

Reflexive pronouns are also used when two entities do things to each others.

  Alain et Isabelle s'aiment. Alain and Isabelle love each other.
  Nathalie et Geneviève s'embrassent. Nathalie and Genevieve kiss each other.
(normal form of greeting between friends)
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