Faire + [infinitive] = to have something done in French (Causative)

Learn how to use "faire" + infinitive in French

When you want to say you are having / had / will have [something done] in French, you use the verb faire as follows:

Look at these sentences:

Tu as fait changer tes rideaux.You had your curtains changed.

Nous allons faire refaire notre salon.We are going to have our living room redone.

J'ai fait repeindre ma chambre.I had my bedroom repainted.
 

To express to have [something] [done] in French, you use the following pattern:

faire + [infinitive] + [object]


ATTENTION:
If the action done is expressed with a reflexive verb (se couper, se raser...), then the reflexive pronoun will be placed before faire, as such:

se faire + [infinitive] + [object]

Look at these examples:

- Il se rase la barbe ? - Non, il se fait raser la barbe.- He shaves his beard? - No, he has his beard shaved.

Je me suis fait faire les ongles la semaine dernière.I had my nails done last week.

Il s'est fait couper les cheveux.He had his hair cut.

Tu te feras maquiller pour ton mariage.You'll have your make-up done for your wedding.


-> Remember that reflexive verbs use être as auxiliary in compound tenses.

 

GRAMMAR JARGON: This structure is called the causative.

Want to make sure your French sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »

Learn more about these related French grammar topics

Examples and resources

Nous allons faire refaire notre salon.We are going to have our living room redone.
Il s'est fait couper les cheveux.He had his hair cut.
- Il se rase la barbe ? - Non, il se fait raser la barbe.- He shaves his beard? - No, he has his beard shaved.
Tu te feras maquiller pour ton mariage.You'll have your make-up done for your wedding.
Je me suis fait faire les ongles la semaine dernière.I had my nails done last week.
J'ai fait repeindre ma chambre.I had my bedroom repainted.
Tu as fait changer tes rideaux.You had your curtains changed.
Elle se fera rembourser.She will get a refund.
Let me take a look at that...