How to Use and Conjugate Reflexive Verbs in Croatian

What Are Reflexive Verbs in Croatian?

Reflexive verbs in Croatian are verbs that indicate the subject is performing an action on itself. They are characterized by the use of the reflexive pronoun se or si attached to the verb. This concept is similar to reflexive verbs in English, such as "to wash oneself" or "to dress oneself."

The Reflexive Pronouns in Croatian

In Croatian, reflexive verbs use the pronoun se or si depending on the verb tense and person. Unlike English, Croatian reflexive pronouns do not change according to gender or number but do change position in the sentence depending on the verb form.

Common Reflexive Pronouns

The most common reflexive pronoun is se, which is used in most tenses and persons. The pronoun si is used specifically in the second person singular in the present tense.

How to Conjugate Reflexive Verbs in Croatian

Reflexive verbs are conjugated like regular verbs, but always include the reflexive pronoun. The pronoun can be attached to the end of the verb in the infinitive or imperative forms, or placed before the verb in other tenses.

Example: The Verb "Prati se" (to wash oneself)

Let's look at the present tense conjugation of the reflexive verb prati se (to wash oneself):

• Ja se perem – I wash myself
• Ti se pereš – You wash yourself
• On/Ona/Ono se pere – He/She/It washes himself/herself/itself
• Mi se peremo – We wash ourselves
• Vi se perete – You (plural/formal) wash yourselves
• Oni/One/Ona se peru – They wash themselves

Note on the Position of the Reflexive Pronoun

In the present tense, the reflexive pronoun se is placed before the verb. However, in the infinitive form, it is attached to the end of the verb, for example, prati se (to wash oneself). In the imperative, it is also attached, e.g., peri se! (wash yourself!).

Common Reflexive Verbs in Croatian

Here are some common reflexive verbs that English speakers learning Croatian should know:

• Tuširati se – to shower oneself
• Oblačiti se – to dress oneself
• Baviti se – to engage oneself in (an activity)
• Sjećati se – to remember
• Odmarati se – to rest oneself

Tips for English Speakers Learning Croatian Reflexive Verbs

Because English reflexive verbs are less common and often optional, English speakers might find Croatian reflexive verbs challenging. Here are some tips:

• Always include the reflexive pronoun when the verb is reflexive in Croatian.
• Pay attention to the position of the pronoun depending on the verb tense.
• Practice common reflexive verbs to get familiar with their conjugation patterns.
• Remember that some verbs are always reflexive in Croatian, even if they are not in English.

Summary

Reflexive verbs in Croatian use the pronouns se or si to indicate the subject acts upon itself. They are conjugated like regular verbs but always include the reflexive pronoun, whose position varies with tense. Learning these verbs is essential for mastering Croatian verb usage.