Unlike in English, when referring to someone's own body parts (or own pieces of clothing, such as pockets, clothes...), in French the definite article (le,la,l',les) is used rather than the possessive adjective (ma,mon, sa, son etc).
Learn how to use the French definite articles with body parts and clothing
NOTE: You can also use the reflexive version of the verb when it exists (laver = to wash -> se laver = to wash oneself) to make the owner more clear:
ATTENTION: Using the reflexive form doesn't work systematically, especially when the reflexive form has a different meaning to the simple form, like lever = to lift/raise vs se lever = to get up.
In this case, you'll simply use the verb lever with the definite article: for French people, the possessive meaning would be obvious, unless a clear context states otherwise.
Note that it applies also to animals' bodies:
As usual, there are special cases that don't follow that rule:
See Special cases when you use mon/ma/mes/etc with parts of the body (French Possessive Adjectives) .
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 Braimap today »
Learn more about these related French grammar topics
Examples and resources
Le garçon a levé la tête du poisson mort pour la couper.The boy lifted the head of the dead fish to cut it.
De nos jours, c'est mieux si on a des yeux derrière la tête.Nowadays, it's better if we have eyes in the back of our heads.
Nous sommes rentrés, les vêtements tout sales et les cheveux en bataille.We came home, our clothes all dirty and our hair ruffled.
