Reflexivtransitive

Reflexivtransitive is a linguistic term that describes a class of verbs that can function both as reflexive and as transitive verbs. In a reflexive construction, the verb's object refers back to the subject, as in the English example "She washed herself." In a transitive construction the verb takes an external object, for instance "She washed the car." A reflexivtransitive verb allows speakers to use either construction without changing the verb itself; the distinction is achieved solely through pronoun or object placement and, in some languages, morphological marking.

The category is distinct from simple reflexive verbs, which require a reflexive pronoun and cannot appear transitive, and from typical transitive verbs, which can take a direct object but not a reflexive pronoun. Reflexivtransitive verbs are common in languages with rich pronominal or case systems, such as German (sich waschen vs. waschen), Russian (мыться vs. мыть), and Finnish (puhua itself vs. puhua). The grammatical context often determines the meaning—reflexive use can emphasize self-action or reciprocal effects, while transitive use may signal a causal or instrumental relationship.

Semantic compatibility also plays a role: many reflexivtransitive verbs describe actions that naturally can affect the actor or a separate entity, such as "to break," "to wash," or "to cook." In some languages, reflexive forms may carry additional connotations, such as responsibility or impersonal usage. The study of reflexivtransitive verbs contributes to our understanding of verb valency, pronominalization, and argument structure across typologically diverse languages.