In some languages, there is a difference between reflexive and non-reflexive pronouns. A reflexive pronoun is an anaphor which must be bound by its antecedent (according to Government and Binding Theory in linguistics); note, however, that the exact conditions that determine whether something is bound are not yet well defined and are contingent on the language in question. In plain terms, a reflexive pronoun is a pronoun that is preceded by what it refers to (its antecedent) within the same clause.

In Indo-European languages, the reflexive pronoun goes back to the Proto-Indo-European language.

Swedish examples.

• "Jag ser honom". (I see him.)
• "Han ser honom" (He sees him, i.e. someone other)
• "Han ser sig" ("He sees himself")

In Swedish, there is also a difference between normal and reflexive genitives:

• Anna gav Maria hennes bok. - Anna gave her (Maria's) book to Maria.
• Anna gav Maria sin bok. - Anna gave her (Ana's) book to Maria.

Example from Serbian language:

• Ana je dala Mariji njenu knjigu. - Ana gave her (Maria's) book to Maria.
• Ana je dala Mariji svoju knjigu. - Ana gave her (Ana's) book to Maria.