#78: How to Use Reflexive Verbs in the Past in French (Passé Composé)

You know reflexive verbs like se lever, se réveiller, se laver, se coucher, but using them in the past tense can feel like a different story entirely.

How do we say "I woke up"? Where does pas go in the negative? And why do so many learners freeze when they try to say these phrases out loud?

In this episode, you’ll learn a simple framework for using everyday reflexive verbs naturally in the passé composé, so you can talk about your morning routine, last night, or what happened today with more confidence. We’ll cover affirmative and negative sentences, common speaking mistakes, and natural spoken French.

• How to build reflexive verbs in the passé composé with la formule magique
• How to say phrases like I woke up, I got dressed, I went to bed
• How negation works in spoken French
• The easiest way to make these structures automatic

1️⃣ Review reflexive verbs with the transcript and download your free French Past Tense Cheat Sheet.

2️⃣ Practice 3 phrases from today out loud until they feel automatic.

3️⃣ Want more reflexive verbs beyond daily routine? Go back and listen to Episode #36: Douter ou Se Douter? The Reflexive Verbs Most Learners Skip.