la porte s'ouvre

KN N.Kwiziq community member

la porte s'ouvre

Why s' ouvre? The verb "ouvre" is not a reflexive verb.

 Thank you in advance for taking time to answer.

Asked 5 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi KN,

The verb 'ouvrir' can be transitive or reflexive .

1. Ouvrir quelque chose =  to open something -transitive verb 

Ouvre les rideaux! = Open the curtains!

also

ouvrir la fenêtre, la porte, une boîte de conserve... ( to open the window, the door, a tin...)

2. S'ouvrir = to open - to open out  - reflexive verb 

used for fenêtre, porte, livre, vêtement, etc.

e.g.

Le livre s'ouvre à la page 115  = The book opens at page 115

La robe s'ouvre par devant The dress opens/unfastens at the front

La fenêtre s'ouvre sur une cour The window opens on a courtyard 

Hope this helps!

 

 

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Although some verbs only exist in a reflexive version, others can be used either reflexively or not.

Vous ouvrez la porte. -- You open the door.
La porte s'ouvre elle-même. -- The door opens itself (by itself).

Le prof accueille les étudiants. -- The professor welcomes the students.
Nous nous accueillons. -- We welcome each other.

Dan K.A1Kwiziq community member

It’s because the door seems to open itself... written in reflexive it gives the sense that the door opened itself.

Margaret F.B1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
The door opens by itself. Literally - opens itself

la porte s'ouvre

Why s' ouvre? The verb "ouvre" is not a reflexive verb.

 Thank you in advance for taking time to answer.

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
Thinking...