Reflexive Dative si

The Reflexive Dative Si

Level 5

Si can mark an action done for oneself or affecting one's own body or belongings.

How It Works

Si can mark an action done for oneself or affecting one's own body or belongings. It is a clitic; context distinguishes it from second-person singular si meaning you are.

In Umil sem si roke, si associates the hands with the subject; roke remains the ordinary accusative object. In Kupila si je knjigo, si identifies the beneficiary as the subject. The surrounding auxiliary makes clear that si is not you are here.

Examples (3)

  1. Umil sem si roke.

    I washed my hands.

  2. Kupila si je knjigo.

    She bought herself a book.

  3. Skuhal sem si kavo.

    I made myself some coffee.

How It Connects

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Reflexive Dative siLevel 5The Reflexive Dative Si

Learn This First

Distinguish a reflexive participant from an ordinary dative recipient.

Words in This Pattern