Learn the various uses of "se" in Spanish, including reflexive, reciprocal, impersonal, passive, intensifier, pronominal, and unintentional actions. This lesson helps intermediate learners understand how "se" modifies verb meanings and sentence focus, featuring practical examples like "Ana se explica la palabra" and "Se me olvidó el vocabulario." Master the differences and uses to improve comprehension and communication.
- The "se" can represent actions performed by the subject on themselves (reflexivo), between several (recíproco) or without a defined subject (impersonal).
- Simplify the passive voice (pasiva refleja), intensify actions and form part of the meaning of certain verbs.
- Indicate actions that occur without intention (acción involuntaria).
| Uso del "se" | Fórmula | Ejemplo |
|---|---|---|
| Reflexivo | Sujeto + se + verbo | Ana se explica la palabra. (Ana explains the word.) |
| Recíproco | Sujetos (2+) + se + verbo | Ana y Pedro se corrigen el texto. (Ana and Pedro correct each other the text.) |
| Impersonal | Se + verbo (3ª persona singular) | En esta clase se habla con fluidez. (In this class one speaks fluently.) |
| Pasiva refleja | Se + verbo (3ª persona singular/plural) + objeto | Se explican las frases en la clase. (The sentences are explained in class.) |
| Intensificador | Sujeto + se + verbo + objeto | Pedro se repite la frase para aprenderla. (Pedro repeats the sentence to learn it.) |
| Pronominal | Sujeto + se (parte del verbo) + verbo | Ana se imagina la conversación. (Ana imagines the conversation.) |
| Acción involuntaria | Se + objeto indirecto + verbo | Se me olvidó el vocabulario. (The vocabulary slipped my mind.) |
Exceptions!
- Change of meaning with "se": Some verbs change meaning when "se" is added. ⇒ Example: quedar (to arrange) vs. quedarse (to remain)
Exercise 1: Usos del "se" en español
Instruction: Fill in the correct word.
se lava, Se corrigen, se da cuenta, Se me olvidó, se grita, se prepara, se queda, Se le cayó
1.
Maria ... las manos antes de comer.
(Maria washes her hands before eating.)
2.
Ana ... fuerte cuando practica la pronunciación.
(Ana shouts loudly when practising pronunciation.)
3.
Luis ... para explicar el tema en clase.
(Luis prepares to explain the topic in class.)
4.
Ana ... callada cuando no entiende la explicación.
(Ana stays quiet when she does not understand the explanation.)
5.
... una palabra importante en la noticia.
(I forgot an important word in the news.)
6.
Juan ... de la diferencia entre dos palabras.
(Juan realises the difference between two words.)
7.
... la ficha en medio de la presentación.
(He realised the point halfway through the presentation.)
8.
... las frases del resumen.
(The sentences in the summary are corrected.)
