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se réunir

A2 verb #1,800 most common 14 min read

se réunir

Top 1,800

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips se réunir in 30 Seconds

Explanation se réunir in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, the verb 'se réunir' is introduced as a way to talk about groups of people coming together. While pronominal verbs can be tricky for beginners, 'se réunir' is a great word to learn early on because it relates to family and friends, which are common topics. At this stage, you should focus on the present tense and the most common pronouns: 'nous' (we) and 'ils/elles' (they). For example, you can learn to say 'Nous nous réunissons' (We gather) or 'La famille se réunit' (The family gathers). You don't need to worry about complex tenses yet. Just understand that 'se réunir' means people are meeting in one place. It is often used with simple prepositions of place, like 'à la maison' (at home) or 'au parc' (at the park). You might also see it in simple invitations or descriptions of weekend activities. Remember that unlike English, where you just say 'we gather', in French you must include the extra pronoun 'nous' or 'se'. Practicing the phrase 'nous allons nous réunir' (we are going to gather) is a very useful way to talk about future plans without needing to learn the complex future tense conjugations yet. Keep it simple and focus on the core meaning of coming together.

At the A2 elementary level, your understanding of 'se réunir' expands significantly. You are now expected to conjugate it confidently in the present tense across all subjects (je me réunis, tu te réunis, il se réunit, nous nous réunissons, vous vous réunissez, ils se réunissent). You will also start using it in the passé composé to talk about past events. This is a critical step because 'se réunir', as a pronominal verb, requires the auxiliary 'être' in the past tense. You must learn the structure: 'Nous nous sommes réunis' (We gathered). At this level, you should also be comfortable using 'se réunir' to describe the purpose of a meeting using the preposition 'pour' + infinitive verb. For example, 'Ils se réunissent pour manger' (They gather to eat) or 'Nous nous réunissons pour discuter' (We gather to discuss). You will encounter this verb frequently in reading passages about French culture, such as texts describing how French families gather for Sunday lunch or how communities come together for local festivals. You should also be able to distinguish 'se réunir' (to gather as a group) from 'rencontrer' (to meet someone new). Practice writing short paragraphs about your own family gatherings or meetings with friends using this verb.

At the B1 intermediate level, 'se réunir' becomes a tool for more nuanced and professional communication. You are expected to use it seamlessly in various tenses, including the imparfait (for habitual past gatherings: 'nous nous réunissions chaque été'), the futur simple ('ils se réuniront demain'), and the conditionnel ('nous devrions nous réunir'). The contexts in which you use the verb will broaden from simple family gatherings to workplace scenarios, club meetings, and societal events. You will frequently pair it with time expressions and complex prepositions. Furthermore, you will learn to navigate the agreement of the past participle in the passé composé with more confidence, ensuring that 'Elles se sont réunies' has the correct feminine plural ending. At this stage, you should also be aware of the noun form, 'une réunion' (a meeting), and how the verb and noun interact in professional vocabulary. You will start to see 'se réunir' in news articles and reports, describing political assemblies or union meetings. You should be able to express opinions about meetings, such as 'Je pense qu'il est important de se réunir régulièrement' (I think it is important to meet regularly). The focus is on fluency and accuracy in diverse contexts.

At the B2 upper-intermediate level, your mastery of 'se réunir' should be near complete, allowing you to use it in complex sentence structures and abstract contexts. You will comfortably use it with the subjonctif present when expressing necessity or emotion: 'Il faut que nous nous réunissions' (It is necessary that we gather) or 'Je suis content qu'ils se réunissent' (I am glad they are gathering). You will also understand and use it in passive or impersonal constructions, such as 'Toutes les conditions se réunissent pour...' (All the conditions are coming together for...). At this level, you can effortlessly distinguish 'se réunir' from its synonyms like 'se rassembler', 'se retrouver', and 'convenir', choosing the exact right word for the tone and context of your speech or writing. In professional French, you will use it to draft formal emails, organize agendas, and report on committee activities. You will also encounter it in literature and formal essays. The focus at B2 is on the subtle nuances: understanding that 'se réunir' carries a slightly more formal, purposeful weight than 'se retrouver', and using it to articulate complex ideas about group dynamics, social cohesion, and organizational behavior in francophone societies.

At the C1 advanced level, 'se réunir' is fully integrated into your active vocabulary, and you use it with native-like precision. You are comfortable with all literary and complex tenses, including the passé simple in reading ('ils se réunirent') and the plus-que-parfait ('ils s'étaient réunis'). You understand the deep cultural connotations of the verb in French society, such as the historical importance of 'se réunir' in the context of the French Republic, unions, and public demonstrations. You can use it metaphorically, discussing how ideas, evidence, or factors 'se réunissent' to form a conclusion or a phenomenon. Your use of prepositions and dependent clauses with 'se réunir' is flawless. You can debate the effectiveness of how groups 'se réunissent' in corporate or political environments, using sophisticated vocabulary and varied sentence structures. At this level, errors in reflexive pronoun agreement or auxiliary verb choice are virtually non-existent. You can also play with the language, perhaps using the non-reflexive 'réunir' in contrast to the reflexive form to make a specific rhetorical point. Your understanding encompasses not just the grammar, but the sociolinguistic weight of the verb in various registers of the French language.

At the C2 mastery level, your command of 'se réunir' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You possess an intuitive grasp of its etymology and its stylistic applications in both classical literature and contemporary discourse. You can effortlessly navigate the most complex grammatical scenarios, such as the rare cases where the past participle might not agree if the reflexive pronoun is an indirect object (though with 'se réunir', it is almost always direct, but you understand the underlying mechanics of pronominal verbs perfectly). You use 'se réunir' in highly specialized contexts, whether drafting legal documents, academic papers, or diplomatic correspondence. You appreciate the subtle rhythmic and phonetic qualities of the verb in poetry or formal oratory. You can deconstruct texts where 'se réunir' is used to analyze the author's intent regarding collective identity versus individual action. At this pinnacle of language proficiency, 'se réunir' is not just a vocabulary word to be translated, but a conceptual tool used to articulate the most intricate dynamics of human assembly, convergence, and unity within the rich tapestry of the French language and culture.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

se réunir in 30 Seconds

Means 'to gather' or 'to meet'.
Always requires a reflexive pronoun.
Uses 'être' in the passé composé.
Implies a group action, not just one person.

The French pronominal verb 'se réunir' is a fundamental vocabulary item that translates primarily to 'to gather', 'to meet', 'to assemble', or 'to come together'. Understanding this verb is crucial for navigating both social and professional contexts in the French-speaking world. At its core, 'se réunir' implies a collective action where multiple individuals converge at a specific location or in a shared virtual space for a common purpose. Unlike the non-reflexive verb 'réunir', which means to gather things or other people together (e.g., 'réunir des documents' - to gather documents), the reflexive form 'se réunir' indicates that the subjects themselves are the ones gathering. This reflexive nature is a key grammatical feature that learners must master. When we analyze the structure of the word, we see the prefix 're-' combined with 'unir' (to unite), literally meaning to unite again or to bring into a single unit. This etymological background helps learners remember that the verb is about creating unity or a group out of individuals.

Reflexive Pronoun: The verb requires a reflexive pronoun that matches the subject: je me, tu te, il/elle/on se, nous nous, vous vous, ils/elles se.

Nous allons se réunir demain matin pour discuter du projet.

In everyday conversation, 'se réunir' is frequently used when talking about family gatherings, business meetings, or friends meeting up for an event. It carries a slightly more formal or organized tone than simply 'se voir' (to see each other) or 'se retrouver' (to meet up), though they are often used interchangeably in casual speech. For instance, 'Ils se sont réunis' means 'They gathered'. The past participle 'réuni' must agree in gender and number with the subject when the reflexive pronoun is the direct object, which is the case here.

Agreement Rule: In the passé composé, add an 's' for plural subjects and an 'e' for feminine subjects: Elles se sont réunies.

Les membres de la famille aiment se réunir pendant les fêtes de fin d'année.

Furthermore, the verb can be followed by various prepositions depending on the context. 'Se réunir pour' is used before an infinitive verb to express the purpose of the gathering (to gather in order to...). 'Se réunir autour de' means to gather around something, often used metaphorically, like gathering around a shared value or literally around a table.

Le comité doit se réunir en urgence ce soir.

Contextual Usage: While 'se réunir' is versatile, it is particularly common in professional settings to denote official meetings, hence the related noun 'une réunion' (a meeting).

Les étudiants ont décidé de se réunir à la bibliothèque pour réviser.

Il est important de se réunir régulièrement pour maintenir l'esprit d'équipe.

In summary, 'se réunir' is an indispensable verb that encapsulates the human need and societal structure of coming together, whether for celebration, deliberation, or collaboration. Its mastery unlocks a significant portion of communicative competence in French, allowing learners to organize events, report on gatherings, and understand the dynamics of group interactions in francophone cultures. The verb's connection to the highly frequent noun 'réunion' further solidifies its importance in the learner's lexicon.

Using 'se réunir' correctly involves mastering its conjugation as a pronominal verb and understanding the syntactic structures it frequently appears in. Because it is a regular -ir verb belonging to the second group, its conjugation follows a predictable pattern, but the addition of the reflexive pronoun requires careful attention. In the present tense, the conjugation is: je me réunis, tu te réunis, il/elle/on se réunit, nous nous réunissons, vous vous réunissez, ils/elles se réunissent. Notice the characteristic '-iss-' infix in the plural forms, which is a hallmark of second-group verbs.

Present Tense: The present tense is used for habitual gatherings or gatherings happening right now. Example: Nous nous réunissons tous les lundis.

Où est-ce que vous voulez se réunir cette fois-ci ?

When forming negative sentences, the 'ne' and 'pas' wrap around the reflexive pronoun and the conjugated verb: 'Nous ne nous réunissons pas aujourd'hui'. In compound tenses like the passé composé, the auxiliary verb is always 'être'. The structure is: subject + reflexive pronoun + present of être + past participle. For example: 'Elles se sont réunies'. The past participle 'réuni' agrees with the subject because the reflexive pronoun 'se' functions as the direct object.

Future Tense: For the futur proche, place the reflexive pronoun before the infinitive: Nous allons nous réunir. For the futur simple: Nous nous réunirons.

Les manifestants prévoient de se réunir sur la place principale.

Beyond conjugation, the usage of 'se réunir' is heavily dependent on prepositions to add context. To specify the location, use 'à', 'dans', 'sur', or 'chez'. For example, 'se réunir à Paris', 'se réunir dans la salle de conférence', 'se réunir chez Paul'. To specify the time, use 'à' for hours or 'en'/'au' for months and seasons: 'se réunir à 14h', 'se réunir en été'. To express the purpose of the meeting, the preposition 'pour' followed by an infinitive is standard: 'se réunir pour célébrer', 'se réunir pour discuter'.

Il faut qu'on puisse se réunir sans être dérangés.

Impersonal Usage: Sometimes 'se réunir' is used in a more abstract sense, such as 'Les conditions se réunissent pour un succès' (The conditions are coming together for success).

Nous pourrions se réunir par visioconférence si tu préfères.

Chaque année, les anciens élèves aiment se réunir au lycée.

In formal writing, such as business emails or official invitations, 'se réunir' is the verb of choice. You might write: 'Le conseil d'administration se réunira le 5 mai' (The board of directors will meet on May 5th). In contrast, in spoken, informal French, people might opt for 'se voir' or 'se capter' (slang). However, 'se réunir' remains perfectly acceptable and clear in all registers. Mastering the placement of the reflexive pronoun, especially in complex sentences with multiple verbs or in negative and interrogative forms, is the most challenging but rewarding aspect of using this verb fluently.

The verb 'se réunir' is ubiquitous across various domains of French life, making it a highly versatile word that learners will encounter frequently in both spoken and written contexts. One of the most common environments where 'se réunir' is heard is the workplace. In corporate settings, offices, and professional organizations, gathering for meetings is a daily occurrence. You will hear phrases like 'L'équipe va se réunir dans la salle de conférence' (The team is going to gather in the conference room) or 'Nous devons nous réunir pour faire le point' (We need to meet to take stock). The associated noun, 'une réunion', is one of the most frequently used words in French business vocabulary.

Professional Context: In business, 'se réunir' implies a formal meeting with an agenda, often scheduled in advance.

Le syndicat a appelé les travailleurs à se réunir devant l'usine.

Another major context is family and social life. French culture places a strong emphasis on family meals and gatherings, especially during holidays, Sundays, or special occasions like weddings and birthdays. In this context, 'se réunir' carries a warm, convivial connotation. You might hear someone say, 'Toute la famille se réunit pour Noël chez mes grands-parents' (The whole family gathers for Christmas at my grandparents' house).

Political and Civic Life: The verb is frequently used in news reports to describe assemblies, protests, or governmental sessions.

L'Assemblée nationale va se réunir pour voter la nouvelle loi.

In the media, particularly in journalism and news broadcasting, 'se réunir' is standard vocabulary. When reporting on international summits, local council meetings, or public demonstrations, journalists rely on this verb. For example, 'Les chefs d'État se sont réunis à Bruxelles' (The heads of state gathered in Brussels). This formal usage highlights the verb's capacity to describe official and significant assemblies. Furthermore, in the realm of associations, clubs, and hobbies, 'se réunir' is used to describe regular meetups. A book club, a sports team, or a neighborhood watch group will 'se réunir' periodically.

Les fans du chanteur aiment se réunir avant les concerts.

Virtual Gatherings: With the rise of remote work, 'se réunir en ligne' or 'se réunir sur Zoom' has become incredibly common.

Même à distance, nous pouvons se réunir virtuellement.

Le conseil municipal a décidé de se réunir à huis clos.

Whether you are watching a French news channel, participating in a business exchange, reading a novel about a family reunion, or simply organizing a get-together with francophone friends, 'se réunir' is the verb that bridges the gap between individual action and collective presence. Its widespread use across all registers—from the highly formal language of diplomacy to the casual planning of a weekend barbecue—makes it an essential component of active French vocabulary.

When learning the verb 'se réunir', students frequently encounter several stumbling blocks, primarily related to its reflexive nature, its conjugation, and its distinction from similar verbs. The most prevalent mistake is omitting the reflexive pronoun. Because the English translation 'to gather' or 'to meet' does not require a reflexive pronoun, English speakers often say 'Nous réunissons' instead of the correct 'Nous nous réunissons'. Saying 'Nous réunissons' implies that you are gathering something else (like objects or other people), not yourselves. This omission completely changes the meaning of the sentence and can lead to confusion.

Pronoun Omission: Always ensure the reflexive pronoun is present and matches the subject. Incorrect: Ils réunissent. Correct: Ils se réunissent.

Faites attention à bien conjuguer : ils aiment se réunir le vendredi.

Another common error occurs in compound tenses, specifically the passé composé. All pronominal verbs in French use the auxiliary verb 'être', but learners often mistakenly use 'avoir'. Saying 'Nous nous avons réunis' is grammatically incorrect; it must be 'Nous nous sommes réunis'. Furthermore, because 'être' is used, the past participle must agree in gender and number with the subject (since the reflexive pronoun is the direct object here). Forgetting this agreement—for example, writing 'Elles se sont réuni' instead of 'Elles se sont réunies'—is a frequent written mistake, even among native speakers sometimes.

Infinitive Constructions: When 'se réunir' follows another verb (like aller, devoir, pouvoir), the reflexive pronoun must still match the subject, even though the verb is in the infinitive.

Je vais me réunir avec eux (Not: Je vais se réunir).

This mistake with the infinitive is very persistent. A learner might say 'Nous allons se réunir' instead of the correct 'Nous allons nous réunir'. The reflexive pronoun must adapt to the subject 'Nous', regardless of the infinitive form of the verb. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 'se réunir' with 'rencontrer' (to meet someone for the first time or by chance) or 'retrouver' (to meet up with someone). 'Se réunir' is specifically for a group gathering, usually with a purpose, whereas 'rencontrer' is a one-on-one encounter.

Pour éviter les erreurs, pratiquez la phrase : nous devons nous réunir.

Singular vs Plural: While 'se réunir' implies a group, if the grammatical subject is singular (e.g., 'le groupe', 'la classe'), the verb must be conjugated in the singular.

Le comité se réunit demain (Not: Le comité se réunissent).

C'est une erreur de dire : on va se réunir à deux pour un date.

By paying close attention to the reflexive pronouns, the choice of auxiliary verb in past tenses, the agreement of the past participle, and the specific context of a group gathering, learners can easily avoid these common pitfalls and use 'se réunir' with confidence and accuracy.

The French language offers a rich vocabulary for expressing the concept of meeting or gathering, and while 'se réunir' is a primary term, several synonyms and related verbs exist, each with its own subtle nuances. Understanding these distinctions allows for more precise and expressive communication. One of the most common alternatives is 'se rassembler'. While 'se réunir' often implies a planned meeting for a specific purpose (like a discussion or a celebration), 'se rassembler' emphasizes the physical act of coming together into a single group or mass, often used for crowds, protests, or flocks of animals.

Se Rassembler: Focuses on the physical congregation of a large number of people or things. Example: La foule se rassemble sur la place.

Au lieu de se réunir formellement, ils ont préféré se retrouver au café.

Another highly frequent verb is 'se retrouver'. This translates more closely to 'to meet up' or 'to find each other again'. It is much more informal than 'se réunir' and is typically used among friends or acquaintances who are meeting at a specific place for a casual outing. For example, 'On se retrouve à 20h au cinéma' (Let's meet up at 8 PM at the cinema). It carries a sense of familiarity and casualness that 'se réunir' lacks.

Se Voir: Literally 'to see each other', this is the most casual way to say 'to meet'. Example: On se voit demain ? (Are we meeting tomorrow?)

Le club de lecture aime se réunir une fois par mois.

The verb 'rencontrer' is also related but fundamentally different. It means 'to meet' in the sense of making an acquaintance for the first time, or bumping into someone by chance. You do not 'rencontrer' your family for Christmas; you 'vous réunissez'. However, the pronominal form 'se rencontrer' can mean to meet each other (for the first time) or, less commonly, to converge. For highly formal or academic contexts, you might encounter 'convenir' or 's'assembler', though these are rare in everyday speech.

Les actionnaires vont se réunir lors de l'assemblée générale.

S'assembler: An older or more literary synonym for 'se réunir', emphasizing the formation of an assembly.

Il est rare de voir autant de personnes se réunir pour une telle cause.

Nous avons choisi de se réunir dans un parc pour profiter du soleil.

In conclusion, while 'se réunir' is the go-to verb for organized group gatherings, meetings, and family reunions, expanding your vocabulary to include 'se retrouver', 'se rassembler', and 'se voir' will significantly enhance your fluency and allow you to convey the exact tone—whether formal, casual, or descriptive—of the meeting you are discussing.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Conjugation of pronominal verbs in the present tense.

Use of the auxiliary 'être' in the passé composé for reflexive verbs.

Agreement of the past participle with the subject for reflexive verbs when the pronoun is a direct object.

Placement of negation around reflexive verbs (e.g., Je ne me réunis pas).

Use of 'pour' + infinitive to express purpose.

Examples by Level

Nous nous réunissons à la maison.

We gather at the house.

Present tense, first person plural.

La famille se réunit pour le dîner.

The family gathers for dinner.

Third person singular with a collective noun.

Ils se réunissent au parc.

They gather at the park.

Third person plural, present tense.

Vous vous réunissez demain ?

Are you gathering tomorrow?

Question using the 'vous' form.

Je me réunis avec mes amis.

I am gathering with my friends.

First person singular present tense.

Les enfants se réunissent pour jouer.

The children gather to play.

Using 'pour' + infinitive to show purpose.

On se réunit ici.

We gather here.

Using the informal 'on' for 'we'.

Elles se réunissent le matin.

They (women) gather in the morning.

Feminine plural subject.

Nous nous sommes réunis hier soir.

We gathered last night.

Passé composé with auxiliary 'être'.

Ils vont se réunir dans le salon.

They are going to gather in the living room.

Futur proche with reflexive pronoun before the infinitive.

Pourquoi vous vous réunissez ?

Why are you gathering?

Question word 'pourquoi' with present tense.

L'équipe se réunit tous les lundis.

The team gathers every Monday.

Expressing habit with 'tous les'.

Elles se sont réunies pour étudier.

They gathered to study.

Passé composé with feminine plural agreement (-es).

Nous devons nous réunir bientôt.

We must gather soon.

Modal verb 'devoir' + reflexive infinitive.

Le club se réunit à 18 heures.

The club gathers at 6 PM.

Telling time with the verb.

Je veux qu'on aille se réunir.

I want us to go gather.

Introduction to complex sentence structure.

Nous nous réunissions souvent quand nous étions enfants.

We used to gather often when we were children.

Imparfait tense for habitual past actions.

Le comité se réunira la semaine prochaine pour voter.

The committee will gather next week to vote.

Futur simple tense.

Si nous avions le temps, nous nous réunirions.

If we had the time, we would gather.

Conditionnel présent in a 'si' clause.

Il est important que nous nous réunissions.

It is important that we gather.

Subjonctif présent after an expression of necessity.

Après s'être réunis, ils ont pris une décision.

After having gathered, they made a decision.

Past infinitive construction (après + être + past participle).

C'est la salle où ils se réunissent habituellement.

This is the room where they usually gather.

Relative pronoun 'où' indicating place.

Les manifestants se sont réunis malgré la pluie.

The protesters gathered despite the rain.

Using 'malgré' (despite) for contrast.

Je ne pense pas qu'ils se réunissent aujourd'hui.

I don't think they are gathering today.

Subjonctif after a negative opinion.

Bien qu'ils se soient réunis, aucun accord n'a été trouvé.

Although they gathered, no agreement was reached.

Subjonctif passé after 'bien que'.

Toutes les conditions se réunissent pour que le projet réussisse.

All conditions are coming together for the project to succeed.

Metaphorical/impersonal use of the verb.

Il aurait fallu qu'ils se réunissent plus tôt.

They should have gathered earlier.

Conditionnel passé of 'falloir' + subjonctif présent.

C'est en se réunissant qu'ils ont trouvé la solution.

It is by gathering that they found the solution.

Gérondif (en + participe présent) expressing method.

Les actionnaires se réuniront lors de l'assemblée générale annuelle.

The shareholders will gather during the annual general meeting.

Formal business vocabulary context.

À peine s'étaient-ils réunis que l'alarme a sonné.

Hardly had they gathered when the alarm rang.

Plus-que-parfait with inversion after 'à peine'.

Nous nous réunirions volontiers si le contexte le permettait.

We would gladly gather if the context allowed it.

Conditionnel présent expressing a hypothetical willingness.

La diaspora se réunit chaque année pour célébrer ses racines.

The diaspora gathers every year to celebrate its roots.

Advanced vocabulary (diaspora, racines) in context.

Le conseil d'administration s'est réuni à huis clos pour délibérer.

The board of directors gathered behind closed doors to deliberate.

Idiomatic expression 'à huis clos' (behind closed doors).

Il est impératif que les différentes factions se réunissent autour d'une table.

It is imperative that the different factions gather around a table.

Formal subjunctive usage with advanced vocabulary.

Les indices se réunissent pour pointer vers un seul suspect.

The clues are coming together to point toward a single suspect.

Abstract/figurative use of the verb regarding objects/concepts.

Ils se réunirent dans le plus grand secret à l'aube.

They gathered in the utmost secrecy at dawn.

Passé simple (literary past tense).

Quoi qu'il en soit, il faudra bien qu'ils finissent par se réunir.

Be that as it may, they will eventually have to gather.

Complex sentence structure with 'finir par'.

L'assemblée, s'étant réunie la veille, avait déjà statué sur ce point.

The assembly, having gathered the day before, had already ruled on this point.

Participe présent composé used as an adjective clause.

C'est une occasion inespérée de voir se réunir les plus grands experts du domaine.

It is an unexpected opportunity to see the greatest experts in the field gather.

Infinitive clause following 'voir'.

Pour peu qu'ils se réunissent, la synergie opère immédiatement.

Provided they gather, the synergy operates immediately.

Subjunctive after 'pour peu que' (provided that).

La convergence des luttes exige que les syndicats se réunissent au-delà de leurs clivages.

The convergence of struggles demands that unions gather beyond their divides.

Highly advanced sociopolitical vocabulary and subjunctive.

Dès lors qu'ils se furent réunis, le sort de l'empire fut scellé.

As soon as they had gathered, the fate of the empire was sealed.

Passé antérieur (literary tense) indicating immediate anteriority.

On observe une propension croissante des citoyens à se réunir en collectifs informels.

We observe a growing propensity of citizens to gather in informal collectives.

Academic/sociological register.

Fût-ce au péril de leur vie, les conjurés se réunissaient clandestinement.

Even at the risk of their lives, the conspirators gathered clandestinely.

Imparfait du subjonctif used for concession ('Fût-ce').

Il s'en est fallu de peu qu'ils ne se réunissent jamais.

They narrowly missed never gathering at all.

Complex idiomatic structure 'Il s'en est fallu de peu que' + expletive 'ne'.

Les éléments disparates de son œuvre se réunissent ici en une synthèse magistrale.

The disparate elements of his work come together here in a masterful synthesis.

Abstract literary critique usage.

Que les instances dirigeantes se réunissent ou non, la base a déjà tranché.

Whether the governing bodies gather or not, the base has already decided.

Subjunctive used to express alternative conditions ('Que... ou non').

C'est dans l'adversité que les peuples tendent le plus spontanément à se réunir.

It is in adversity that peoples tend most spontaneously to gather.

Philosophical/essayistic sentence structure.

Common Collocations

se réunir en urgence

se réunir autour d'une table

se réunir à huis clos

se réunir en assemblée

se réunir pour discuter

se réunir régulièrement

se réunir en famille

se réunir virtuellement

se réunir en secret

se réunir chaque semaine

Common Phrases

Où va-t-on se réunir ?

Il faut qu'on se réunisse.

Nous allons nous réunir.

La famille se réunit.

Le comité s'est réuni.

Ils aiment se réunir.

Se réunir autour d'un verre.

Se réunir pour faire le point.

C'est l'heure de se réunir.

Merci de vous réunir ici.

Often Confused With

se réunir vs rencontrer (to meet someone new / to encounter)

se réunir vs retrouver (to meet up with someone / to find again)

se réunir vs réunir (to gather objects or other people, non-reflexive)

Idioms & Expressions

"se réunir sous la bannière de"

"se réunir autour d'un pot"

"faire cause commune (related concept)"

"serrer les rangs (related concept)"

"se réunir en petit comité"

"se réunir au sommet"

"se réunir dans l'ombre"

"les grands esprits se rencontrent (related concept)"

"se réunir pour la bonne cause"

"se réunir autour du feu"

Easily Confused

se réunir vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

note

While 'se réunir' is translated as 'to meet', it should not be used for meeting someone for the first time. Use 'rencontrer' for that. 'Se réunir' is strictly for gathering or assembling.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting the reflexive pronoun (saying 'Nous réunissons' instead of 'Nous nous réunissons').
Using 'avoir' instead of 'être' in the passé composé (saying 'Nous nous avons réunis').
Forgetting to make the past participle agree in gender and number in the passé composé (writing 'Elles se sont réuni' instead of 'réunies').
Using 'se réunir' to mean meeting someone for the first time (instead of 'rencontrer').
Failing to conjugate the verb properly as a 2nd group verb (forgetting the 'iss' in plural forms like 'nous nous réunissons').

Tips

The 'Être' Rule

Always use 'être' as the helping verb in compound tenses. Memorize: Je me suis réuni, tu t'es réuni, il s'est réuni, nous nous sommes réunis, vous vous êtes réunis, ils se sont réunis.

Noun Connection

Link the verb 'se réunir' to the noun 'une réunion' (a meeting). If you are going to a 'réunion', you are going to 'se réunir'.

Use 'On'

To sound more like a native speaker, replace 'nous nous réunissons' with 'on se réunit' in casual conversations. It's faster and easier to say.

Check Your Agreements

When writing in the past tense, always check the gender and number of your subject. Add an 'e' for feminine and an 's' for plural to the word 'réuni'.

Business Essential

This is a must-know verb for business French. Use it to schedule meetings: 'Pouvons-nous nous réunir demain ?'

The French 'U'

Practice the 'u' sound in 'réunir'. It is not an English 'oo' sound. Purse your lips like you are going to whistle and say 'ee'.

Purpose with 'Pour'

To say WHY you are gathering, use 'pour' followed by an infinitive verb. Example: 'Nous nous réunissons pour manger'.

Not for Dating

Never use 'se réunir' for a romantic date with one other person. Use 'avoir un rendez-vous' instead.

Negation Placement

In negative sentences, 'ne' and 'pas' hug the pronoun and the verb: Je NE me réunis PAS.

Impersonal Use

For advanced fluency, try using it impersonally: 'Les conditions se réunissent' (The conditions are coming together).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a REUNION where everyone SEes each other and UNItes.

Word Origin

Latin

Cultural Context

Appropriate in all settings, from casual family planning to highly formal diplomatic summits.

Suggests a deliberate act of coming together, implying stronger social bonds or a more specific purpose than just bumping into someone.

Universally understood across the Francophone world. In Quebec, you might also hear 'se rassembler' used slightly more frequently in casual contexts.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"À quelle heure va-t-on se réunir demain ?"

"Où est-ce que ta famille se réunit pour Noël d'habitude ?"

"Pourquoi l'équipe doit-elle se réunir en urgence ?"

"Aimes-tu te réunir avec tes anciens camarades de classe ?"

"Est-ce qu'on se réunit chez moi ou chez toi ?"

Journal Prompts

Racontez la dernière fois que votre famille s'est réunie. C'était pour quelle occasion ?

Préférez-vous vous réunir en petit ou en grand groupe ? Pourquoi ?

Décrivez une réunion de travail typique. Où vous réunissez-vous et de quoi parlez-vous ?

Imaginez que vous devez organiser un événement. Où allez-vous vous réunir et qui allez-vous inviter ?

Écrivez sur l'importance de se réunir avec sa communauté.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, if you mean 'to gather' as a group of people. Without the reflexive pronoun, 'réunir' means to gather objects or other people (e.g., I gather the documents).

Yes. Because 'se réunir' uses the auxiliary 'être' and the reflexive pronoun acts as a direct object, the past participle agrees with the subject. Example: Elles se sont réunies.

No, 'se réunir' implies a collective action. You need a plural subject (nous, vous, ils, elles) or a singular collective noun (la famille, le groupe, l'équipe).

'Se réunir' is slightly more formal and implies a specific purpose or organized event (a meeting, a family reunion). 'Se retrouver' is more casual, like friends meeting up at a bar.

You use the imperative form: 'Réunissons-nous !' Notice that the pronoun comes after the verb and is attached with a hyphen.

Both are correct depending on the location. Use 'à' for cities or general places (à Paris, à la bibliothèque). Use 'dans' for specific enclosed spaces (dans la salle de réunion).

Absolutely. You can say 'se réunir en ligne', 'se réunir virtuellement', or 'se réunir sur Zoom'.

Use the imparfait. Example: 'Quand j'étais petit, nous nous réunissions tous les dimanches' (When I was little, we used to gather every Sunday).

'Réunir' is a regular second-group verb in French (verbs ending in -ir). A characteristic of this group is adding '-iss-' to the plural forms in the present tense.

Yes! In spoken French, 'on se réunit' is much more common and natural than 'nous nous réunissons', even though both mean 'we gather'.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence saying 'We gather at the house' using 'se réunir'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use the present tense 'nous nous réunissons'.