I am a bit confused, how do you use soi-même? Thanks.

Janice D.C1Kwiziq community member

I am a bit confused, how do you use soi-même? Thanks.

Asked 8 years ago
LauraNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour Janice,

The French pronoun soi is for impersonal constructions, so you use it with another impersonal word such as on.

For example,

On doit le faire soi-même = One has to do it oneself

Compare that to

Tu dois le faire toi-même = You have to do it yourself.

Liz H.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Then how is soi used? I’m very confused because it seems the lessons using on or il faut use soi one time and soi-même the next. What’s the difference. Many thanks for clearing this up. 

Liz H.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Then how is soi used? I’m very confused because it seems the lessons using on or il faut use soi one time and soi-même the next. What’s the difference. Many thanks for clearing this up. 

Liz H.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Will someone address our confusion using soi or soi-même? The rules in the lessons seem identical for using either one: the universal, on, il faut. I have to keep guessing. Thanks. 

CécileNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hi Liz, 

You will use 'soi' when it refers to a general statement applying to everyone:

Chacun pour soi Everyman for himself 

Avoir confiance en soi To have self-confidence 

Rester chez soi = To stay home

Regarder devant soi = To look in front of oneself 

Hope these help!

I am a bit confused, how do you use soi-même? Thanks.

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
Clever stuff happening!