se / si (vzájemné)

Reciprocal Se and Si

Level 2

In Czech, the most natural way to say 'each other' is by using the short reflexive pronouns se and si with a plural verb.

How It Works

When a verb involves two or more people doing an action to one another, Czech uses the reflexive pronouns se and si to express this reciprocal relationship. To achieve this reciprocal meaning, the verb is usually conjugated in the plural (e.g., myjeme se, vidí se). However, singular verbs are also used with collective nouns (e.g., Pár se hádá) or when one person acts with another using s + instrumental (e.g., Jan se líbá s Marií).

  • se (Accusative): Used when the verb requires a direct object. Example: vidět se (to see each other).
  • si (Dative): Used when the verb requires an indirect object. Example: psát si (to write to each other).

Where do they go?
Both se and si are clitics (příklonky) that must occupy the second position in the clause. This means they cannot start a sentence; they must lean on the first stressed word or phrase.

What about prepositions?
Short clitics like se and si cannot be used after a preposition. Instead, Czech uses the long forms of the reflexive pronoun: sebe, sobě, or sebou. Examples: Bavíme se o sobě (We are talking about each other), Dívají se na sebe (They are looking at each other), and Mluvíme mezi sebou (We are talking among ourselves / with each other).

Is it 'each other' or 'ourselves'?
Because se and si are also used to mean 'oneself', a sentence like Myjeme se can technically mean 'We wash ourselves' OR 'We wash each other'. Context usually makes the meaning obvious. If it is ambiguous, Czechs can add adverbs like navzájem, vzájemně, or spolu alongside the clitic to force the reciprocal meaning (e.g., Milujeme se navzájem). Alternatively, you can use the declinable phrase jeden druhého (one another). For standard verbs taking an accusative object, the clitic (se) must be dropped to avoid redundancy (e.g., Milujeme jeden druhého). For verbs taking a dative object, dropping the clitic (si) is optional (e.g., Pomáháme si jeden druhému or Pomáháme jeden druhému). For inherently reflexive verbs, the clitic always remains alongside the phrase (e.g., Stěžujeme si jeden druhému). When using prepositions with this phrase, the preposition is placed exactly between the two words (e.g., Dívají se jeden na druhého). Note that this phrase adapts to the required case and also changes based on the gender of the subjects. Crucially, the first word (jeden) usually stays in the nominative case, while only the second word (druhý) declines into the required case (e.g., feminine: Vidí jedna druhou, neuter: Slyší jedno druhé). These clarifications are completely optional in everyday speech when the context is clear.

Examples (5)

  1. Známe se ze školy.

    We know each other from school.

    Word by Word: Know (we) each-other from school.

    The verb 'znát' (to know) takes a direct object, so we use the Accusative 'se'.

  2. Píšeme si každý den.

    We write to each other every day.

    Word by Word: Write (we) to-each-other every day.

    The verb 'psát' (to write) takes an indirect object for the recipient, so we use the Dative 'si'.

  3. Máme se rádi, i když se občas pohádáme.

    We love each other, even though we argue sometimes.

    Word by Word: Have (we) each-other glad, even though each-other sometimes argue (we).

    A very common phrase using 'se' for 'each other'.

  4. Pomáháme si s domácími úkoly.

    We help each other with homework.

    Word by Word: Help (we) to-each-other with home tasks.

    The verb 'pomáhat' (to help) requires the Dative case in Czech, so 'si' must be used.

  5. Často se navzájem kritizují.

    They often criticize each other.

    Word by Word: Often each-other mutually criticize (they).

    The word 'navzájem' (mutually) is added here for emphasis, making it absolutely clear they are criticizing each other, not themselves.

Common Mistakes

  • Over-translating 'each other' literally instead of using se/si.

    Známe každý druhý ze školy.
    Známe se ze školy.

    English speakers frequently try to literally translate 'each other' using clunky phrases like 'každý druhý' (every second). In Czech, the simple clitic 'se' or 'si' is the standard, most natural way to express reciprocity.

  • Using 'se' when the verb requires the Dative case ('si').

    Pomáháme se.
    Pomáháme si.

    Learners often default to 'se' for everything. Remember that verbs governing the Dative case (like 'pomáhat' - to help, or 'rozumět' - to understand) require 'si'.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

se / si (vzájemné)Level 2Reciprocal Se and Si

Learn This First

To understand reciprocal 'se' and 'si', you first need to be familiar with reflexive verbs and how clitics (short pronouns) are placed in a sentence. Additionally, since 'si' functions as a dative object, understanding the dative case is necessary to grasp the 'to each other' meaning.

Words in This Pattern

sebe