The Impersonal “se” Realidades 3

The Impersonal “se” In English we often use they, you, one, or people in an impersonal or indefinite sense meaning “people in general.”

The Impersonal “se” In Spanish we use se + the Ud./él/ella or the Uds./ellos/ellas form of the verb.

The Impersonal “se” Se habla español. Spanish is spoken here. Se venden computadoras baratas. Cheap computers are sold here.

The Impersonal “se” A menudo se sirve pan con paella. Bread is often served with paella.

The Impersonal “se” Se permite sacar fotos? Can you take pictures?

The Impersonal “se” Note that you don´t know who performs the action. The word that follows the verb determines whether the verb is singular or plural.

The Impersonal “se” Se creó una página web. Se crearon páginas web.

The Impersonal “se” When the word following the conjugated verb is an infinitive, the verb form is singular. Se necesita construir un nuevo edificio.