So much about this I don't understand. To start with. Je me suis fait faire les ongles.
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Susan G.Kwiziq community member
So much about this I don't understand. To start with. Je me suis fait faire les ongles.
Why is it fait not faire or even fais? Also why les ongles and not mes ongles?
This question relates to:French lesson "Faire + [infinitive] = to have something done in French (Causative)"
Asked 7 years ago
LauraKwiziq team member
Bonjour Susan,
The basic construction is faire + infinitive = to have something done
Se faire + infinitive = to have someone done to/for oneself
Je me suis fait faire is the past tense = I had something done to myself (fait is the past participle)
Since it's obvious that the ongles belong to me, the definite article is used - see Using le, la, les with body parts
The basic construction is faire + infinitive = to have something done
Se faire + infinitive = to have someone done to/for oneself
Je me suis fait faire is the past tense = I had something done to myself (fait is the past participle)
Since it's obvious that the ongles belong to me, the definite article is used - see Using le, la, les with body parts
Erlinda P.Kwiziq community member
As to the first part of your question, it is my understanding that someone else is doing my nails (I don't know if I'm right), that's why "fait"--3rd person singular.
As to "les ongles," just like in Spanish, one does not say "mes ongles" when referring ot one's body part. One says "les."
Mark H.Kwiziq community member
Hi Laura, But why is "Elle se fait rembourser. She gets refunded" reflexive, please?
How is getting refunded different from having your house painted? How are you doing something for yourself if you are getting refunded. Thank you! (I find your web site invaluable.)
LauraKwiziq team member
Bonjour Mark,
In "she gets refunded" she is the object that the verb is acting upon. She requested a refund, and got it. In "she gets her house painted," she requested that someone paint her house: the house is what's being acted upon, not her.
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