Legarsi

Legarsi is an Italian reflexive verb formed from legare (to bind, to tie). It has both literal and figurative uses: to bind or tie oneself physically, and to bind oneself emotionally, legally, or morally to someone or something.

Etymology and sense

Legare derives from Latin ligare, meaning to bind or tie. Legarsi retains the reflexive pronoun, signaling that the action is performed by the subject on itself or in relation to the subject. The sense can be physical (tying shoes, hands, or hair) or abstract (committing oneself to a cause, being attached to a person, or becoming bound by rules or promises).

Usage and meanings

Physically: one ties parts of the body or objects to oneself, often using reflexive forms. Examples include tying shoelaces or tying one’s hands.

Metaphorical: legarsi is used with prepositions to express commitment or attachment, especially with a or a noun referring to a group, idea, or obligation. Common expressions include legarsi a una causa, legarsi a una persona, or legarsi al passato, indicating a personal or ideological binding.

Conjugation and grammar

Legarsi is conjugated with the auxiliary essere in compound tenses, and the participle agrees in gender and number with the subject: io mi sono legato/mi sono legata, tu ti sei legato/legata, lui si è legato, noi ci siamo legati, voi vi siete legati, loro si sono legati. In the present tense: io mi lego, tu ti legi, lui si lega, noi ci leghiamo, voi vi legate, loro si legano. The form varies for gender in the passato prossimo and other compound tenses.

Related terms

Related nouns include legame (bond, linkage) and legato (bound, tied; also a musical term meaning connected). Similar notions include vincolare (to constrain) and impegnarsi (to commit oneself).

See also

Legare, legame, legato, vincolo.