Capitulo Nueve - Gramatica Cuatro - Uses of "se"

Question 1

What are the three uses of “se” we have learned thus far?

Answer 1

1. To replace le or les when used with a direct object pronoun.

Marta le dio un regalo a Selena.
Marta se lo dio.

2. With reflexive verbs, when using usted/ustedes, él, ella, ellos, and ellas forms.

Ustedes se visitieron y salieron para la oficina. Ella se vistió después de ducharse.

3. To give general and impersonal information about “what is done.”

Se sirve comida paraguaya en ese restaurante. ¡Se come muy bien allí!

Question 2

What is the “generalizing” use of se and what are a few things to remember about it?

Answer 2

“Se” can be used to express actions with no specific subject and to say what “one does” in general.

1. Se is always used with a third person form of the verb it corresponds with.

Se sirve comida aqui.
Food is served here.

Se hablan muchas lenguas en este país.
Many languages are spoken in this country.

2. If a noun immediately follows the se + verb construction, the verb agrees with the noun.

Se sirve el desayuno todo el día.
Breakfast is served all day.

Se venden empanadas aquí.
Empanadas are sold here.

3. If no noun immediately follows the se + verb, the third person singular form of the verb is used.

Se come muy bien aquí.
One eats well here.

Se duerme mal después de una comida fuerte.
One sleeps badly after a heavy meal.