Constructions with “se”
Impersonal Constructions with “se” You can use the pronoun “se” to avoid specifying the person who is doing the action. Using “se” before the verb can make the sentence ambiguous / general.
The ‘se’ impersonal In English we often use they, you, one, or people in an impersonal or indefinite sense meaning “people in general.”
Ejemplos: ¿Cómo se apaga la aspiradora? How do you / how does one turn off the vacuum cleaner? ¿Cómo se dice … en español? How do you/How does one say... In Spanish Se ha dicho que los mayas eran muy avanzados. They say the Mayans were very advanced.
Impersonal Constructions with “se” Notice that here the third person singular of the verb is used. Se apaga la luz durante el día. One turns the light off during the day. You turn lights off during the day. They turn lights of during the day.
The ‘se’ of the passive voice Here the se is used because the agent is not the doer of the sentence, yet appears as if it is the subject.
Ejemplos: Se vende coche Car for sale Se habla español Spanish is spoken (here) Se alquila apartamento Apartment for rent
The ‘se’ pasivo Note that you don´t know who performs the action. The word that follows the verb determines whether the verb is singular or plural.
If referring to ONE thing, use the USTED form of the verb: Se vende coche = Car for sale If referring to MORE than ONE thing, used the USTEDES form Se venden coches = Cars for sale
¿Cierto o Falso? Se habla español en Brasil. Se comen tacos en México. En España se cena después de las nueve. Se puede esquiar en Argentina en julio. Se ve una película en la biblioteca. Se permite comer en la biblioteca.
Práctica Dog for sale = Se vende perro. Looking for secretary = Se busca secretatia. Cars repaired here = Se reparan coches (aquí). At what time do stores close? ¿A qué hora se cierran las tiendas? Where are CD´s sold? ¿Dónde se venden discos compactos?
The ‘se’ impersonal The verb can be in the present or past tense as well. Se creó una página web. Se crearon las computadoras para ordenar la vida.
The ‘se’ impersonal When the word following the conjugated verb is an infinitive, the singular form is used. Se necesita construir un edificio nuevo.
Práctica You have to work hard if you want success. Se tiene que trabajar duro si quiere tener éxito. Smoking was prohibited in the restaurant. Se prohibió fumar en el restaurante. Computers were sold here. Se vendieron las computadoras aquí.
Práctica One should learn from their elders. Se debe aprender de los mayores. This church was built thirty years ago. Se construyó esta iglesia hace treinta años. They believe it will be an excellent movie. Se cree que será una película excelente..
El fin