Faire + [infinitive] = to have something done in French (Causative)

Learn how to use "faire" + infinitive in French

When you want to say you are having / had / will have [something done] in French, you use the verb faire as follows:

Look at these sentences:

Tu as fait changer tes rideaux.You had your curtains changed.

Nous allons faire refaire notre salon.We are going to have our living room redone.

J'ai fait repeindre ma chambre.I had my bedroom repainted.
 

To express to have [something] [done] in French, you use the following pattern:

faire + [infinitive] + [object]


ATTENTION:
If the thing is being done to or for the subject of the verb, you use the reflexive form se faire, as such:

se faire + [infinitive] + [object]

(Remember that reflexive verbs use être as auxiliary in compound tenses)

Ils se font couper les cheveux.They're having their hair cut.

Elle se fera rembourser.She will get a refund.
 

Je me suis fait faire les ongles.I had my nails done.

Il s'est fait couper les cheveux.He had his hair cut.
 

 

GRAMMAR JARGON: This structure is called the causative.

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Examples and resources

Tu as fait changer tes rideaux.You had your curtains changed.
Je me suis fait faire les ongles.I had my nails done.
Elle se fera rembourser.She will get a refund.
Nous allons faire refaire notre salon.We are going to have our living room redone.
Il s'est fait couper les cheveux.He had his hair cut.
J'ai fait repeindre ma chambre.I had my bedroom repainted.
Ils se font couper les cheveux.They're having their hair cut.
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