Reflexive Pronouns
The reflexive pronoun sebia means “self.” It is used when the subject of the sentence is also its direct or indirect object. Sebia can be used in all cases except for Nominative. Note that in English, the word “self” cannot be the subject of the sentence either.
Sebia does not change according to number or gender, but it changes according to case.
| Nominative | |
| Accusative | sebia |
| Dative | sebe |
| Prepositional | sebe |
| Genitive | sebia |
| Instrumental | soboj |
Exercise 19: Using Reflexive Pronouns
Circle the sentences that require the use of the reflexive pronoun.
1. He bought flowers for Lena.
2. They bought a present for themselves.
3. She saw herself in the mirror.
4. He saw children.
5. She congratulated herself.
6. We congratulated the winner.
7. She went on vacation with Chris.
8. They took a dog along.
Exercise 20: Completing Sentences
Complete the sentences with reflexive pronouns.
1. Ona kupila mashinu. (for herself)
2. Volodia vzial s syna. (along; literally: with himself)
3. On liubil smotret' po televizoru. (himself)
4. Oni prigotovili uzhin. (for themselves)
5. On nazyval velikim kompozitorom. (himself)
6. Ulitka nosit svoj domik na (itself)
7. Ona vsegda nakhodila v mnogo nedostatkov. (herself)
8. Vy mozhete gordit'sya (yourself)
Exercise 21: Translating Sentences
Translate these sentences into Russian.
1. He is proud of himself.
2. She made herself a present.
3. The dog saw itself in the mirror.
4. They bought a house for themselves.
5. Can you hear yourself?
6. I bought myself flowers.
7. They saw themselves on TV.
8. He considered himself lucky.
