a se + Infinitive
Reflexive Infinitives
A se spăla is a reflexive citation form; se can also have reciprocal, lexical, or impersonal functions. Dative reflexives use a-și, as in a-și aminti.
How It Works
The reflexive infinitive is a fundamental structure in Romanian. It is composed of three parts:
1. The infinitive particle a.
2. The reflexive pronoun: se (accusative) or își (dative).
3. The short infinitive (the dictionary form of the verb).
When the dative pronoun își follows the particle a, they contract into a-și.
Key Functions:
- Reflexive Action: The subject acts on itself. Example: a se spăla (to wash oneself).
- Reciprocal Action: Subjects act on each other. Example: a se săruta (to kiss each other).
- Inherent Reflexives: Verbs whose reflexive use has a lexical meaning that must be learned with the pronoun. Example: a se gândi (to reflect or think about something). The nonreflexive a gândi also exists, for example in the sense to conceive or devise something.
- Passive/Impersonal: Used to describe actions without a specific agent. Example: a se vinde (to be sold).
Negation: The negative particle nu is placed between the particle 'a' and the pronoun. For accusative reflexives, use a nu se [verb]. For dative reflexives, the initial vowel of the pronoun își elides, resulting in a nu-și [verb] (e.g., a nu-și aminti).
Note on Usage: While the infinitive is the dictionary form, in spoken Romanian, it is often replaced by the subjunctive (să) after modal verbs like 'to want' (a vrea).
Examples (5)
- A se spăla pe mâini este important.
To wash one's hands is important.
Word by Word: To self wash on hands is important.
Here, 'a se spăla' is the subject of the sentence, acting as a general instruction.
- A nu se fuma în spital.
No smoking in the hospital.
Word by Word: To not self smoke in hospital.
This shows the negative form 'a nu se' used for formal prohibitions.
- E greu a se obișnui cu frigul.
It is hard to get used to the cold.
Word by Word: Is hard to self accustom with cold-the.
A literary infinitive after greu. In everyday speech, E greu să te obișnuiești cu frigul is more usual.
- A-și aminti trecutul este dureros.
To remember the past is painful.
Word by Word: To-self(dative) remember past-the is painful.
Some verbs use the dative reflexive 'și' instead of 'se'. Note the hyphen in 'a-și'.
- Am venit pentru a se pregăti sala.
I came so that the room could be prepared.
Word by Word: I-have come for to self prepare room-the.
A formal passive infinitive of purpose. Sala is the subordinate subject; it differs from the speaker who came. Everyday speech commonly uses Am venit ca să se pregătească sala.
Common Mistakes
Placing the negation 'nu' before the particle 'a'.
Nu a se fuma.A nu se fuma.In the infinitive form, the negation must come between the particle 'a' and the reflexive pronoun.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Recognize the reflexive pronouns and the infinitive. The citation pattern a se plus verb includes both self-directed actions and lexical se-verbs whose meaning is learned as a unit.
Related Patterns
- Romanian Infinitives
Explains the difference between the short form used here and the long infinitive and its surviving uses, including action nouns.
Level 3 - Impersonal se
The reflexive pronoun is often used to create impersonal or passive meanings.
Level 3 - să + Present SubjunctiveThe Să Construction
The subjunctive is the primary alternative to the infinitive in modern Romanian.
Level 2 - Negation With nu
Basic rules for negation which change slightly when applied to the infinitive.
Level 1 - Hyphens in Verb Groups
Explains why 'a și' becomes 'a-și' in certain reflexive constructions.
Level 5
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice a se + Infinitive in Bubblegum
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