Se faire brosser les cheveux

G B.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Se faire brosser les cheveux

Almost reluctant to ask this question based on the number of comments and confusion on this topic but here goes…….

 

The question was to write: 

I had my hair brushed”

HINT: se faire brosser les cheveux = to have one’s hair brushed

 

In the comments, Cécile writes:

You will use ‘se faire faire quelque chose mostly when you are having something done by someone else.

 

So on that basis, as the question implies that someone else brushed my hair, I answered : 

“Je me suis fait faire brosser les cheveux".

 

However, the correct answer is :

"Je me suis fait brosser les cheveux".

 

Could someone explain why I’m wrong?

Asked 4 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi G,

I think I can see your confusion, it is because you have repeated 'faire' twice, it is already there in -

Je me suis fait faire brosser les cheveux

even if it is conjugated.

You would only use faire twice if you were having something done/made for you:

Je me suis fait faire un manteau I have had a coat made (for me)

Je me suis fait faire des sandales I have had some sandals made (for me)

But if it is specific you won't repeat 'faire' twice -

Je me suis fait couper les cheveux = I have had my hair cut

Je me suis fait construire une maison = I have had a house built 

Hope this helps!

G B.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Okay I think I'm starting to get it.

Is this sentence correct?:

Je me suis fait cuire un repas spécial.

I had a special meal cooked (for me).


CécileNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hi G,

Unfortunately, the example you have chosen uses * 'faire cuire' *which means to cook something.

Se faire cuire = to cook something for yourself

So although the sentence is correct the translation isn't.

* in French 'cuire' is used for the food :

Les pommes cuisent très vite Apples cook very quickly

Je fais cuire des pommes pour faire une compote I am cooking apples to make a compote

G B.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Yes I realised the translation was wrong after reading one of the original comments.

I take back what I said about "starting to get it" :-)

Se faire brosser les cheveux

Almost reluctant to ask this question based on the number of comments and confusion on this topic but here goes…….

 

The question was to write: 

I had my hair brushed”

HINT: se faire brosser les cheveux = to have one’s hair brushed

 

In the comments, Cécile writes:

You will use ‘se faire faire quelque chose mostly when you are having something done by someone else.

 

So on that basis, as the question implies that someone else brushed my hair, I answered : 

“Je me suis fait faire brosser les cheveux".

 

However, the correct answer is :

"Je me suis fait brosser les cheveux".

 

Could someone explain why I’m wrong?

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