Verb: rappeler & se rappeler

ByFast French

Meanings:
“Rappeler” is a transitive verb, meaning “to remind” or “to call back.” It means to bring something or someone to one’s attention again. On the other hand, “se rappeler” is a reflexive verb, meaning “to remember” or “to recall.”

Conjugation:
Note the irregular spelling in the singular forms (je, tu & il) and the third person plural forms (ils) of the Present and Future Simple tenses.

1. Present Tense:

  • “Rappeler”:
    • Je rappelle
    • Tu rappelles
    • Il/elle/on rappelle
    • Nous rappelons
    • Vous rappelez
    • Ils/elles rappellent
  • “Se Rappeler”:
    • Je me rappelle
    • Tu te rappelles
    • Il/elle/on se rappelle
    • Nous nous rappelons
    • Vous vous rappelez
    • Ils/elles se rappellent

2. Future Simple Tense:

  • “Rappeler”:
    • Je rappellerai
    • Tu rappelleras
    • Il/elle/on rappellera
    • Nous rappellerons
    • Vous rappellerez
    • Ils/elles rappelleront
  • “Se Rappeler”:
    • Je me rappellerai
    • Tu te rappelleras
    • Il/elle/on se rappellera
    • Nous nous rappellerons
    • Vous vous rappellerez
    • Ils/elles se rappelleront

3. Passé Composé Tense:

  • “Rappeler”:
    • J’ai rappelé
    • Tu as rappelé
    • Il/elle/on a rappelé
    • Nous avons rappelé
    • Vous avez rappelé
    • Ils/elles ont rappelé
  • “Se Rappeler”:
    • Je me suis rappelé(e)
    • Tu t’es rappelé(e)
    • Il/elle/on s’est rappelé(e)
    • Nous nous sommes rappelé(e)s
    • Vous vous êtes rappelé(e)(s)
    • Ils/elles se sont rappelé(e)s

Etymology:
Both “rappeler” and “se rappeler” find their roots in the Latin verb “appellare,” which means “to call” or “to summon.” The Latin verb “appellare” is the origin of the French verb “appeler,” which also means “to call.” Over time, the prefix “re-” was added to signify repetition, giving rise to “rappeler.” The reflexive form “se rappeler” developed from “rappeler,” meaning to remember or to recall.

Idiomatic Expressions:

  • “Rappeler à l’ordre”: To call someone to order, implying a reminder or correction.
  • “Rappeler à la réalité”: To bring someone back to reality, often in a sobering or reflective context.
  • “Se rappeler à bon entendeur”: To remind someone subtly, often used when conveying a message indirectly.

Don’t miss new articles!

Get 1 email a week with new articles about French

We don’t spam! Read more in our privacy policy

Similar Posts

  • arroser

    ByFast French

    The French verb “arroser” means “to sprinkle,” “to water,” “to spray” or “to douse.” A reflexive version, “s’arroser,” also exists, usually referring to the consumption of alcohol. arroser examples s’arroser examples Etymology The verb “arroser” is derived from the Latin words “ad,” meaning “to,” and “ros,” meaning “dew” or “moisture.”

  • obligation

    ByFast French

    French expresses obligation through several common structures. The most frequent tools are devoir, falloir, être obligé de, and impersonal expressions built with être nécessaire de or similar forms. Each conveys the idea that an action is required, but they differ in whether the subject is personal, impersonal, or formal. Devoir Devoir is the most common…

  • aimer – love vs like

    ByFast French

    The French verb aimer can mean both “to like” and “to love.” Its meaning depends on the person or thing that follows it, the article used with it, and the wider context. French also has several other ways to express fondness, strong interest, preference, attraction, and love. Aimer with people When aimer is used with…

  • dire à

    ByFast French

    The French verb dire requires an indirect object introduced by à when the recipient of the message is expressed. This is not optional. Whether the recipient appears as a noun, a stressed pronoun, or an indirect object pronoun, dire always governs à for the person to whom something is said. Understanding this rule is essential…

  • appel du pied

    ByFast French

    An “appel du pied” literally means a “call of the foot” but actually means a discrete invitation, a seduction attempt, an allusive proposal or simply an invitation. Its origin is unknown. There is a related term that exists in the world of fencing with swords, but it doesn’t seem to be linked to this usage….