How to Use Reflexive Pronouns in Ukrainian for English Speakers

What Are Reflexive Pronouns in Ukrainian?

Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person or thing. In Ukrainian, reflexive pronouns help indicate that the action of the verb refers back to the subject.

The Reflexive Pronoun 'себе'

The main reflexive pronoun in Ukrainian is себе, which translates roughly to "oneself" in English. It is used regardless of gender or number and does not change form.

Unlike English, Ukrainian uses себе for all persons when the subject acts upon itself. For example:

Я бачу себе в дзеркалі. - I see myself in the mirror.

Вона любить себе. - She loves herself.

Reflexive Verbs and the Suffix '-ся'

Many Ukrainian verbs are reflexive by nature and include the suffix -ся or -сь. This suffix indicates that the action is performed on the subject itself.

For example, the verb вмиватися means "to wash oneself": Він вмивається щоранку. - He washes himself every morning.

How to Use Reflexive Pronouns in Sentences

When using reflexive pronouns in Ukrainian, remember that себе is used as the object of the verb or preposition when referring back to the subject.

Here are some examples:

- Вона бачить себе у фотографії. - She sees herself in the photo.

- Вони піклуються про себе. - They take care of themselves.

Position of 'себе' in a Sentence

The reflexive pronoun себе usually follows the verb or preposition it relates to. For example:

Він любить себе. (He loves himself.)

Вона думає про себе. (She thinks about herself.)

Differences Between English and Ukrainian Reflexive Pronouns

In English, reflexive pronouns change depending on the subject (myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves). In Ukrainian, себе is used for all persons and numbers, simplifying the reflexive pronoun system.

However, the reflexive verb suffix -ся is unique to Ukrainian and does not have a direct equivalent in English, so it is important to recognize and understand it.

Common Reflexive Verbs in Ukrainian

• вмиватися - to wash oneself
• одягатися - to dress oneself
• вчитися - to study (oneself)
• захоплюватися - to be interested in (oneself or something)
• піклуватися - to take care of oneself or others

Practice Examples with Reflexive Pronouns

Try translating these sentences into Ukrainian using себе and reflexive verbs:

1. I see myself in the mirror.
2. She dresses herself quickly.
3. They take care of themselves.
4. We are learning by ourselves.
5. He thinks about himself.

Summary

Reflexive pronouns in Ukrainian are mainly expressed with the pronoun себе and the reflexive verb suffix -ся. Unlike English, себе does not change form based on person or number, making it simpler to learn. Understanding reflexive verbs and pronouns is essential for mastering Ukrainian grammar and expressing actions performed on oneself.