How to Use Reflexive Verbs and Their Conjugation in Latvian

Understanding Reflexive Verbs in Latvian

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

What Makes a Verb Reflexive?

In Latvian, reflexive verbs often end with the suffix -ties in their infinitive form. For example, mazgāties means "to wash oneself." The reflexive particle -s is attached to the verb stem during conjugation to indicate the reflexive action.

Conjugation of Reflexive Verbs in Latvian

Conjugating reflexive verbs in Latvian involves adding the reflexive particle -s to the verb form and adjusting the verb ending according to the person and number. The reflexive particle agrees with the subject in person and number.

Present Tense Conjugation Example: <em>mazgāties</em> (to wash oneself)

• Es mazgājos – I wash myself
• Tu mazgājies – You wash yourself (singular)
• Viņš/Viņa mazgājas – He/She washes himself/herself
• Mēs mazgājamies – We wash ourselves
• Jūs mazgājaties – You wash yourselves (plural/formal)
• Viņi/Viņas mazgājas – They wash themselves

Past Tense Conjugation Example: <em>mazgāties</em>

• Es mazgājos – I washed myself
• Tu mazgājies – You washed yourself (singular)
• Viņš/Viņa mazgājās – He/She washed himself/herself
• Mēs mazgājāmies – We washed ourselves
• Jūs mazgājāties – You washed yourselves (plural/formal)
• Viņi/Viņas mazgājās – They washed themselves

Common Reflexive Verbs in Latvian

Tips for English Speakers Learning Latvian Reflexive Verbs

While reflexive verbs exist in English, Latvian uses them more extensively and with specific conjugation rules. Remember that the reflexive particle -s changes according to the subject, so always conjugate the verb fully and add the correct reflexive ending. Practice with common reflexive verbs to become comfortable with their forms.