How to Use Reflexive Verbs and Their Forms in Ukrainian

What Are Reflexive Verbs in Ukrainian?

Reflexive verbs in Ukrainian are verbs that indicate the subject is performing an action on itself. They are formed by adding the reflexive particle -ся or -сь to the verb. This particle changes the meaning of the verb to reflect that the action is reflexive.

The Reflexive Particle: -ся and -сь

The reflexive particle -ся is attached to the end of the verb. When the verb ends in a vowel, -сь is used instead for easier pronunciation. For example, вмиватися (to wash oneself) and одягтись (to dress oneself).

How to Conjugate Reflexive Verbs

Reflexive verbs conjugate like regular verbs in Ukrainian, but the reflexive particle remains attached at the end of the verb form. The particle does not change according to person or number.

For example, the verb вмиватися (to wash oneself) conjugates as:

1. Я вмиваюся (I wash myself)
2. Ти вмиваєшся (You wash yourself)
3. Він/Вона вмивається (He/She washes himself/herself)
4. Ми вмиваємося (We wash ourselves)
5. Ви вмиваєтеся (You wash yourselves)
6. Вони вмиваються (They wash themselves)

Common Uses of Reflexive Verbs in Ukrainian

Reflexive verbs are used not only to indicate that the subject acts on itself but also to express:

• Reciprocal actions (e.g., обійматися - to hug each other)
• Passive voice constructions
• Emotional or spontaneous actions

Examples of Reflexive Verbs

Tips for English Speakers Learning Reflexive Verbs in Ukrainian

English does not use reflexive verbs as extensively as Ukrainian, so it can be challenging at first. Here are some tips:

• Always look for the reflexive particle -ся or -сь to identify reflexive verbs.
• Practice conjugating reflexive verbs by attaching the particle after the verb form.
• Remember that reflexive verbs can have meanings different from their non-reflexive counterparts.
• Use context to understand if the verb is reflexive or not, especially since some verbs change meaning when reflexive.

Summary

Reflexive verbs in Ukrainian are an important part of the language, formed by adding -ся or -сь to verbs. They indicate actions performed on oneself, reciprocal actions, or passive meanings. Understanding their forms and uses will greatly improve your Ukrainian fluency.