Faire

Drew B.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Faire

I'm having new sandals made.HINT: to make new sandals = faire de nouvelles sandales

Nothing in the lesson suggests "faire" is reflexive. 

Ergo: Why is "je me fais faire de nouvelles sandales" correct, in lieu of "je fais faire de nouvelles sandales." ???

Asked 5 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Drew,

Take a look at my answer to Jean to a similar question in the Q&A at the bottom of  this lesson, sorry I missed yours!

Hope this helps!

Grant R.C1Kwiziq community member

I don’t know either, but found this page which may help a little 

https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/faire-reflexive-causative/

It seems that having someone make you a cake or an egg or sandals or a dress is reflexive.  But I still don’t understand because, if the reason is that the subject is also the object OR benefiting from the action, why isn't the reflexive used when the subject causes their living-room to be refurbished for them? What if they cause a suitcase to be made for them, or a saddle?

Hopefully someone will give a clear answer soon. 

Drew B. asked:

Faire

I'm having new sandals made.HINT: to make new sandals = faire de nouvelles sandales

Nothing in the lesson suggests "faire" is reflexive. 

Ergo: Why is "je me fais faire de nouvelles sandales" correct, in lieu of "je fais faire de nouvelles sandales." ???

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
I'll be right with you...