El “SE” impersonal P. 6
Ever seen a sign that says, Se habla español. What does that mean? It can be translated, “Spanish is spoken here,” “They speak Spanish here,” “One speaks Spanish here.” The truth is that there’s not a literal translation for it.
El “se” impersonal In Spanish, verbs that are not reflexive can be used with SE to form impersonal constructions. It is used in statements in which the person performing the action is NOT expressed or defined. In English, the passive voice or indefinite (you, they, one, people) are used. You can read in the waiting room. In Spanish, you use: se + verb in él OR ellos form
EL “se” impersonal Se habla español. ◦Spanish is spoken here. ◦They speak Spanish here. Se venden computadoras baratas. ◦Cheap computers are sold here. ◦They sell cheap computers here. Note that since you don’t know who is performing the action, the word that follows the verb determines whether the verb is singular or plural. The tendency is to grab the closest noun and make the verb agree with it!
When two verbs are together, conjugate the first verb in the él form/singular. 2 Verbs Together 2 Verbs Together
Se comen hamburguesas en McDonald’s. You eat hamburgers at McDonald’s. or One eats hamburgers at McDonald’s. or Hamburgers are what’s served at McDonald’s. You use “comen” rather than “come” because “hamburguesas” is plural.
¡A practicar! 1. (vender) pasteles en la pastelería 2. En México (jugar) mucho fútbol. 3. (escribir) muchos ensayos en la clase de inglés. 4. (necesitar) estudiar mucho para esta clase. 5. (ofrecer) la ropa a un precio muy barato. 6. Aquí (decorar) las casas para la Navidad. 7. (cerrar) la tienda a la una.
¡A practicar! 1. One sells newspapers here. 2. They speak Spanish here. 3. They serve enchiladas in Mexican restaurants. 4. One eats well there. 5. You have to work hard to get good grades. Se venden periódicos Se habla español Se sirven enchiladas en restaurantes mexicanos Se come bien Se tiene que trabajar duro para sacar buenas notas