RECIPROCAL VERBS Reciprocal verbs are reflexives that express

RECIPROCAL VERBS Reciprocal verbs are reflexives that express a shared or reciprocal action between two or more people or things. In English we often express a reciprocal meaning by using (to) each other or (to) one another. Si amano? Do they love each other? © and ® 2011 Vista Higher Learning, Inc. Non si parlano. They aren’t speaking to each other. 6 A. 2 -2

O Reciprocal verbs follow the same pattern as reflexive verbs, but they are limited to the plural forms noi, voi, and loro. Domani Silvia e Davide si sposano. Tomorrow Silvia and Davide are getting married (to each other). © and ® 2011 Vista Higher Learning, Inc. Io e Alessandro ci scriviamo spesso. Alessandro and I often write to one another. 6 A. 2 -3

O These verbs are commonly used with reciprocal meanings. © and ® 2011 Vista Higher Learning, Inc. 6 A. 2 -4

Ci diamo del tu. We address each other familiarly. I miei gatti si odiano. My cats hate one another. Le ragazze si aiutano a Perché non vi studiare. abbracciate? The girls help each other study. Why don’t you hug each other? © and ® 2011 Vista Higher Learning, Inc. 6 A. 2 -5

O Note that the use of reciprocal verbs can be ambiguous. For example, si guardano can mean they look at themselves or they look at each other. To clarify or emphasize a verb’s reciprocal meaning, use phrases like fra di loro, l’un l’altro (males only), or l’un l’altra (when there is one or more female in a group). Renzo e Lucia si guardano l’un l’altra. Renzo and Lucia are looking at one another. © and ® 2011 Vista Higher Learning, Inc. Vi parlate fra di voi in inglese o in italiano? Do you talk to each other in English or in Italian? 6 A. 2 -6