What Is a Pronominal Verb in French? The Ultimate Guide

If you are learning French, you have likely encountered verbs that look a little strange in the dictionary, always starting with the word "se" or "s'." For example: se laver (to wash oneself), se réveiller (to wake up), or se souvenir (to remember).

These are called pronominal verbs (les verbes pronominaux). While they might seem intimidating at first, they are a fundamental part of daily French conversation.

In this guide, we will break down exactly what a pronominal verb is, how it works, and the different categories you need to know.

The Definition of a Pronominal Verb