Reflexive verbs in Italian

In Italian we have some reflexive verbs, whose direct object is the same as its subject. They are always accompanied by a reflexive pronoun that depends on the subject (mi – ti – si – ci – vi – si).

Ex.  Anna si lava le mani (Anna washes her hands)

Mi sveglio sempre alle 7 (I always wake up at 7)

Normally we put the reflexive pronoun before the verb, except when we use verbs followed by the infinitive form of the reflexive verb:

I’m going to wash my hands –> Vado a lavarmi le mani

To make the infinitive of a reflexive verb we need to take off the last letter of the infinitive form and to add the reflexive pronoun “si”:

lavare –> lavarsi

vedere –> vedersi

When we use modal verbs, the reflexive pronoun can be put before or after the verb:

I have to get up –> Devo alzarmi or Mi devo alzare.

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