Italian Language Notes


The infinitive (dictionary form) of some verbs ends in -arsi, -ersi or -irsi:

chiamarsi
 to be called
abbronzarsi
to get tanned
divertirsi
 to enjoy oneself

These are called reflexive verbs, with an additional mi, ti, or si which corresponds to the English "myself, yourself, him/herself".

riposarsi:
Ho bisogno di riposarmi
 to rest (oneself):
I need to rest (myself)
chiamarsi:
Come ti chiami?
to be called, lit to call oneself
What's your name?
lit How do you call yourself?
tenersi in forma:
Io nuoto per tenermi in forma
to keep (oneself) fit:
I swim to keep (myself) fit
divertirsi:
Sono qui per divertirmi
 enjoy oneself:
I'm here to enjoy myself

see also...
verb endings

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