Italian grammar · Next step · Lesson 10
Italian Reflexive Verbs: Mi, Ti, Si and Everyday Routines
Use Italian reflexive pronouns with verbs such as lavarsi and svegliarsi in the present and passato prossimo.
Updated October 10, 2026 · Free lesson and exercises
Add a pronoun to the verb
A reflexive verb connects the action to the subject: mi lavo means I wash myself. Dictionary forms end in -si, such as lavarsi. Not every -si verb is literally reflexive, but the same pronoun pattern appears in many common routines.
Place the pronoun before a conjugated verb
Use mi, ti, si, ci, vi, and si according to the subject. In the present, place the pronoun before the verb: ci svegliamo. With an infinitive, attach it: voglio lavarmi. Other pronoun placements, especially commands, need their own rules.
Use essere in the compound past
Reflexive verbs take essere in the passato prossimo. Mi sono svegliata means I woke up for a female speaker; mi sono svegliato is the masculine form. Keep the pronoun before the auxiliary and make the participle agree with the subject.
Lavarsi: present
| Subject | Pronoun | Present phrase |
|---|---|---|
| io | mi | mi lavo |
| tu | ti | ti lavi |
| lui / lei | si | si lava |
| noi | ci | ci laviamo |
| voi | vi | vi lavate |
| loro | si | si lavano |
The pronoun changes with the subject. The regular verb endings follow lavare.
See the pattern in a sentence
Mi sveglio alle sette.
I wake up at seven.
Mi marks the first-person singular routine.
Ci laviamo le mani.
We wash our hands.
Italian often uses a definite article with body parts in this construction.
Anna si è svegliata presto.
Anna woke up early.
The past uses essere and feminine svegliata.
Common mistakes to notice
To fix: Io si lavo.
Use: Io mi lavo.
Match the reflexive pronoun mi to io.
To fix: Mi ho svegliato.
Use: Mi sono svegliato / svegliata.
Use essere for the reflexive compound past.
Try it yourself
Say or write an answer before opening the explanation.
1. Complete: tu ___ lavi.
Show answer and explanation
Tu ti lavi.
Ti matches tu.
2. Say we wake up early.
Show answer and explanation
Ci svegliamo presto.
Ci matches noi; the verb is svegliamo.
3. Say Anna washed herself.
Show answer and explanation
Anna si è lavata.
Use si, essere, and feminine agreement.
Use it in a conversation
Describe when you wake up and wash. Then tell the same routine as something you did yesterday.
Read the examples aloud, then try your own sentences. In ChatPal, practice a real scenario and get personalized feedback on what you say.
Practice Italian out loudFAQ
Questions about this pattern
Do reflexive verbs always mean myself?
No. Some -si verbs have reciprocal or other pronominal meanings. Begin with routines where the subject connection is clear.
Where does mi go?
Before a conjugated verb in an ordinary statement: mi lavo. With an infinitive it can attach to the end: lavarmi.
Do reflexive verbs take avere or essere in passato prossimo?
They take essere: mi sono lavato or mi sono lavata. The participle agrees with the subject.
Keep building your sentences
- Italian Present Tense: Regular -Are, -Ere and -Ire Verbs
- Italian Passato Prossimo: Avere or Essere + Past Participle
Words to practice with
References and corrections
Original explanations and practice examples for beginners. References help check the grammar; this page covers the patterns shown rather than every exception.