False reflexives in Italian
As we have seen in the previous lesson, the riflessivi impropri, or false reflexives are verbs that look like reflexives but are not. They can take 3 forms:
- la forma riflessiva apparente;
- la forma riflessiva reciproca;
- la forma pronominale.
In this lesson, we’ll look at the second one, la forma riflessiva reciproca (reciprocal reflexives.)
Reciproci: Explained
As you can probably guess from the name, in this form, the verbs will express a reciprocal action. In this case, the action is both performed and experienced by the subject.
Voi non vi salutate.
You do not say hi to each other.
I ragazzi si sono picchiati.
The guys beat each other.
Fabio e Massimo si salutano.
Fabio and Massimo say hi to each other.
As you can see from the translations, in this form the pronominal particles (ci, si, vi) have the meaning of “each other”.
Reciproci: Rules
Since we are talking about a reciprocal action, in this form, we will only be able to conjugate the verb in the plural, with the personal pronouns noi, voi, and loro (we, you plural, they).
The verbs that can be conjugated in this form are always transitive, which means they take a direct object. In this case, the direct object is the pronominal particle ci, vi, or si, (each other).
Loro si aiutano.
They help each other.
Noi ci siamo lasciati.
We broke up – We left each other.
Perché vi odiate?
Why do you hate each other?
Reciproci: Conjugation
| Presente | |||
| Aiutarsi (to help e.o.) |
Odiarsi (to hate e.o.) |
Salutarsi (to greet e.o.) |
|
| noi | ci aiutiamo | ci odiamo | ci salutiamo |
| voi | vi aiutate | vi odiate | vi salutate |
| loro, Loro | si aiutano | si odiano | si salutano |
| Passato Prossimo | |||
| Aiutarsi (to help e.o.) |
Odiarsi (to hate e.o.) |
Salutarsi (to greet e.o.) |
|
| noi | ci siamo aiutati/e | ci siamo odiati/e | ci siamo salutati/e |
| voi | vi siete aiutati/e | vi siete odiati/e | vi siete salutati/e |
| loro, Loro | si sono aiutati/e | si sono odiati/e | si sono salutati/e |
Still translating in your head? Wanna speak Italian for real? Check out Stefano's courses to think directly in Italian and become fluent fast!
2 Responses
Loro si odiano o si aiutano?! C’e un errore nel primo esempio.
L’ho corretto. Grazie!