Understanding reflexive verbs as intransitive verbs

Question

After studying reflexive verbs, I've come to conclude that almost all verbs that are reflexive are intransitive verb (don't have objects/recipients other than oneself)? Is that correct to say that?

To illustrate my point, it's just that I notice almost a lot of intransitive verbs translate to reflexive (or requires use of passive 'se' )

"I feel good/bad" = "me siento bien/mal". Not putting 'me' I assume implies you're feeling something (other than yourself) and wouldn't make sense with an adverb like bien or mal (just my assuming, don't know if I'm right in this).

Another example, I just searched up how to say "grow up" (an intransitive phrase) and a translation seems to be "hacerse mayor", again seeing the se in there. I assume if you don't put it, it implies you are growing something, like a baby or a plant?

Just to point out, the reverse is not necessarily true after thinking about it...verbs like bailar or caminar don't necessarily have objects (in other words are intransitive) yet they aren't reflexive either. But I'm asking if it that is a right way to think about reflexive verbs, because I see them pop up so often, and when I search up translations of them, I notice how they're all intransitive verbs, and if that's the case, I can better understand them and when to use them.

Basically, that's my question: is it right to think of reflexive verbs as intransitive verbs? If there are exceptions to this thinking, could you list them or explain? Thanks!

Answer 1

You also have those expressions like: Me lavo las manos. Litteraly I wash my self the hands. (or I wash my hands) transitive use. Me cepillo los dientes--I brush myself the teeth (or I brush my teeth)

Even common uses like sentarse to seat your self or "sit down" All transitive.

There are hundreds of examples I could give you, but I bet someone on here will give you a link.

Buena suerte

Wow I forgot about something like washing your hands. This just trashes the intransitive assumption. Then as for my question, there's really no way other than to just straight up memorize when to use reflexive verbs? - Jambooflamingo, Apr 11, 2015

One thing about reflexive verbs is they translate a lot of English "get" verbs, i.e., get angry, get sick, get better, get married,get divorced, etc. I think there may be as many as 30 "get" verbs that are reflexive in Spanish. :) - Daniela2041, Apr 11, 2015

Answer 2

I agree with Daniela.

It has nothing to do reflexive verbs with intransitive verbs, if you think that you will be confused most of the times.