Impersonal se and passive se
se + 3rd person verb is the most natural way to say what people in general do or what is done, without naming who does it.
| type | structure | example |
|---|---|---|
| impersonal (one, people) | se + verb (singular) | Aquí se vive bien. Se dice que… |
| passive (something is done) | se + verb agreeing with the thing | Se vende piso. Se venden pisos. |
| with people as object | se + singular verb + a + person | Se busca a los testigos. |
Other impersonal options
- 3rd person plural (they): Dicen que va a llover. Llaman a la puerta.
- uno / una + verb, when the speaker includes themselves: Cuando uno está cansado, no piensa bien.
- tú generic in speech: Si estudias, apruebas.
Examples
- ¿Cómo se dice «window» en español?How do you say “window” in Spanish?
- En España se cena muy tarde.In Spain people have dinner very late.
- Se alquilan habitaciones.Rooms for rent.
- Aquí no se puede aparcar.You can’t park here.
- Se habla inglés en este hotel.English is spoken in this hotel.
Common mistakes
- ✗ Se hablan español aquí.✓ Se habla español aquí.Español is the object, not the subject, so the verb stays singular. English “Spanish is spoken” makes it look like a plural noun.
- ✗ Se vende casas.✓ Se venden casas.Here casas is the subject of the passive se, so the verb is plural. Learners treat it as an object.
- ✗ Se pueden entrar.✓ Se puede entrar.The subject is the infinitive entrar, which is singular. English “can enter” has no number.
- ✗ En España se cenan tarde.✓ En España se cena tarde.Impersonal se takes the singular, with nothing to agree with. English “people have dinner late” is a plural subject.
- ✗ Se dicen que viene.✓ Se dice que viene.The subject is the clause que viene, so the verb is singular. English “they say” is plural.