Czech reflexive verbs can seem confusing, but once you understand how se and si work, it gets much easier. These pronouns add a reflexive meaning to the verb, either showing that the action affects the subject or that the subject benefits from the action.
When to Use Se
Se is used when the subject performs an action on themselves. It can be translated as “oneself” in English:
- Mýt se – to wash oneself
- Bát se – to be afraid
- Holit se – to shave (oneself)
The reflexive pronoun shows that the action is focused on the subject. When using se, the subject is both doing and receiving the action.
When to Use Si
Si is used when the subject does something that benefits them in some way, often implying “for oneself” or “to oneself.” For example:
- Koupit si auto – to buy a car for oneself
- Uvařit si kávu – to make coffee for oneself
- Vzít si volno – to take a day off (for yourself)
In these cases, the subject isn’t always the direct object, but they still gain from the action.
Reflexive Verbs Without a Clear Translation
Some reflexive verbs don’t have a clear non-reflexive counterpart and are always used with se or si. These are called reflexiva tantum and must simply be memorized. Examples include:
- Těšit se – to look forward to
- Smát se – to laugh
- Stěžovat si – to complain
Reflexive vs. Non-Reflexive Verbs
Not all verbs in Czech need se or si. Many verbs can be used without these pronouns when the action is directed towards something else rather than the subject. For example:
- Mýt se – to wash oneself
- Mýt hrneček – to wash the cup (no reflexive pronoun)
Here, you see how the verb changes based on where the action is directed. When you’re washing yourself, you need se, but when you’re washing an object, the reflexive pronoun is dropped.
Position in a Sentence
A key rule in Czech is that se and si must always appear in the second position in a sentence. In the past tense together with the auxiliary verb to be – “to be + to be/to be”.
- Mám se dobře – I’m fine.
- Já se ptám na otázku – I’m asking the question.
- Včera jsem se učil – Yesterday, I was studying.
Even though včera (yesterday) comes first, se still takes the second spot after the verb.
Key Differences to Remember:
- Se is used when the subject is doing the action to themselves (e.g., washing, shaving).
- Si is used when the subject benefits from the action (e.g., buying something for oneself, cooking for oneself).
- No reflexive pronoun is used when the action is directed toward something else (e.g., washing a cup).
Mastering these distinctions will help you navigate Czech reflexive verbs more easily. Keep practicing, and soon using se and si will become second nature!