how do pronominal verbs work?

JoakimC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

how do pronominal verbs work?

I have no problems with "se laver" or "se promener" - these are things you're doing to yourself. But "s'attaquer", "se moquer", "s'écrier" (attacking, making fun of, crying at) ? Those are done to others, so why are they pronominal?
Asked 7 years ago
LauraKwiziq team memberCorrect answer
There's probably some long, complicated historical answer to that, but I don't know what it is. It's just something to memorize.

how do pronominal verbs work?

I have no problems with "se laver" or "se promener" - these are things you're doing to yourself. But "s'attaquer", "se moquer", "s'écrier" (attacking, making fun of, crying at) ? Those are done to others, so why are they pronominal?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Thinking...