I'm also confused as to why having new sandals made is reflexive. Can anyone clarify this for me (and others) please?

JeanC1Kwiziq community member

I'm also confused as to why having new sandals made is reflexive. Can anyone clarify this for me (and others) please?

Asked 4 years ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hi Jean,

Yes, you would use -

se faire faire quelque chose = to have something made for you/to have something done to you

e.g

Je me fais faire une robe = I am having a dress made (for me)

Il se fait faire un costume He is having a suit made (for him)

Elle s'est fait faire les ongles et s'est fait couper les cheveux pour aller à la fête = She has had her nails done and had her hair cut to go to the party

Hope this helps!

ChrisC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

That's just the idiomatic construction used in French in this case. Similar to English: I had me some sandals made, which is, of course, only used colloquially.

JeanC1Kwiziq community member

So would we use the reflexive for any footwear/clothing we're having made for ourselves?

I'm also confused as to why having new sandals made is reflexive. Can anyone clarify this for me (and others) please?

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