Reflexive verb word structure

Question

Hola! I am getting confused by the reflexive form of llamarse (and other verbs like sentirse, mentioned in later lessons). I have a background in French, so reflexive verbs are not new to me. However, I am feeling confused by: 
1. the reflexive component being treated as a suffix to the main verb rather than a separate word, like (se lever "to get up"), where the reflexive pronoun is both in front and separated from the main verb. My English speaking brain screams that something is wrong when I am instructed to deconstruct a word before changing its order and then conjugating it. 
2. I cannot tell whether to treat llamarse and llamar as two truly different verbs, as opposed to just the reflexive version of the base verb (in this case, llamar). Again, my English brain can't quite accept that they are the same base verb. Are they truly moore akin to French reflexive verbs, where they are simply a reflexive version of the base verb?
3. Are there Spanish verbs that end -se that will not be reflexive? Will we only figure out what those are through exposure?
 
ps - How can I find my questions after I have asked them in a specific lesson discussion? I often ask questions, but then lose track because I don't remember in which lesson I asked the question. Is there some place in my account profile to locate my past questions?

Silvia Píriz · Accepted Answer

Hola Yulyvrdcapbilvsyy Z.

These are great questions, especially if you're coming from French, where reflexive verbs work in a very similar way.

Why is the "se" attached to the infinitive?

In Spanish, reflexive verbs are conventionally listed in dictionaries and grammar references with the reflexive pronoun attached (e.g. llamarse, levantarse, sentirse). However, when conjugated, the reflexive pronoun is usually placed before the verb:

llamarse → me llamo, te llamas, se llama...

levantarse → me levanto, te levantas, se levanta...

So although -se appears attached in the infinitive, it is not really a suffix. It represents the reflexive pronoun that changes according to the subject.

Are llamar and llamarse different verbs?

In many cases, it is helpful to think of them as related but distinct verbs because the meaning can change significantly:

llamar = to call

llamarse = to be called / to call oneself

However, grammatically, llamarse is formed from the base verb llamar plus a reflexive pronoun. This is very similar to how French reflexive verbs work.

Are there Spanish verbs ending in -se that are not reflexive?

Generally, when you see a verb listed with -se attached in the infinitive, it indicates a reflexive, reciprocal or pronominal verb. As you continue learning, you'll encounter verbs where the pronoun does not have a straightforward reflexive meaning (for example quejarse or arrepentirse), so some familiarity comes through exposure and practice.
Regarding your question about finding previous questions you've posted, that's more of an account/platform question than a grammar one. Our Helpdesk team will be able to advise whether there is a way to view all of your past forum posts in one place.
Hope that helps!
Saludos
Silvia