Reflexive Verbs Introduction
In Italian, reflexive verbs are used when the person doing the action is also receiving it. For example, talking about your daily morning routine!
How They Work
Notice the extra little word attached to the end of the infinitive, like svegliarsi (to wake up). When you use the verb, that part changes to match who is doing the action:
- io mi sveglio - I wake up
- tu ti svegli - you wake up
- lui/lei si sveglia - he/she wakes up
Common Mistakes
Don't forget the reflexive pronoun! Saying io sveglio means "I wake someone else up," whereas io mi sveglio means "I wake myself up."
Words
svegliarsi
to wake up
Io mi sveglio presto.I wake up early.
alzarsi
to get up
Tu ti alzi tardi.You get up late.
lavarsi
to wash oneself
Lui si lava la faccia.He washes his face.
vestirsi
to get dressed
Lei si veste subito.She gets dressed immediately.
presto
early
Mi sveglio presto.I wake up early.
tardi
late
Non mi alzo tardi.I do not get up late.
la mattina
in the morning
La mattina mi lavo.In the morning I wash myself.
subito
immediately
Mi vesto subito.I get dressed immediately.
Lessons are prepared with the help of AI.
Patterns
Mi sveglio ___
Saying when you wake up, e.g., early or late.
Mi sveglio presto.I wake up early.
Mi alzo ___
Saying how or when you get up.
Mi alzo subito.I get up immediately.