The Impersonal se

p. 249 Chp. 6 AVSR 2 - 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./l/ella or the Uds./ellos/ellas form of the verb.

The Impersonal se
Se

habla espaol. 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 dont know who performs the action. The word that follows the verb determines whether the verb is singular or plural.

The Impersonal se
Se

cre una pgina web. Se crearon pginas 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.