How to Use Reflexive Pronouns in Croatian for English Speakers

What Are Reflexive Pronouns in Croatian?

Reflexive pronouns in Croatian are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person or thing. They indicate that the action of the verb refers back to the subject. In English, reflexive pronouns include words like "myself," "yourself," and "themselves." Croatian has its own set of reflexive pronouns that function similarly but have unique forms and uses.

The Croatian Reflexive Pronoun: "se" and "si"

In Croatian, the most common reflexive pronoun is se. It is used with third person singular and plural subjects (he, she, it, they). For example, On se pere means "He washes himself." Another reflexive pronoun is si, used with the second person singular (you). For example, Ti si se obukao means "You dressed yourself." These pronouns are placed before the verb or attached to the infinitive or imperative forms.

Placement of Reflexive Pronouns in Croatian Sentences

Reflexive pronouns in Croatian usually come immediately before the verb. For example, Ona se smije means "She laughs (at herself)." When used with infinitive verbs, the pronoun attaches to the end of the infinitive, e.g., Želim se odmoriti (I want to rest myself). In imperative forms, the pronoun also attaches to the verb, e.g., Umij se! (Wash yourself!).

Examples of Reflexive Pronouns in Croatian

The Reflexive Pronoun "sobom" for Emphasis or Prepositional Phrases

Besides se and si, Croatian uses the reflexive pronoun sobom to mean "with oneself" or "by oneself." It is used in prepositional phrases to emphasize that the action is done alone or by the subject. For example, On je sam sa sobom means "He is alone with himself."

Common Mistakes English Speakers Make with Croatian Reflexive Pronouns

English speakers often forget that Croatian reflexive pronouns change depending on the person and that se and si are not interchangeable. Also, the placement of the pronoun can be confusing, especially when used with infinitives or imperatives. Remember that se is used for third person and si for second person singular, and that sobom is used in prepositional phrases.