- 'Se' + verb in infinitive → giving instructions.
- 'Se' + verb in third person → to indicate generalisations.
- In reflexives, se removes the specific subject.
| Ejemplo (Example) | Uso (Use) |
|---|---|
| Se reciclan los envases. (Containers are recycled.) | Pasiva refleja. (Reflexive passive) |
| Se debe reducir el uso de plástico. (The use of plastic should be reduced.) | Norma general. (General rule.) |
| Se recomienda apagar las luces. (It is recommended to turn off the lights.) | Consejo (Advice). |
| Se venden productos ecológicos. (Ecological products are sold.) | Uso impersonal. (Impersonal use.) |
| Se lavan las manos antes de comer. (Hands are washed before eating.) | Reflexivo impersonal. (Impersonal reflexive) |
Exceptions!
- In the reflexive passive, the verb agrees with the object.
Exercise 1: El pronombre impersonal "se"
Instruction: Fill in the correct word.
Se compran, Se recicla, Se apaga, Se vive, Se compra, Se, Se ahorran, Se pueden
1.
... reducen los residuos en esta empresa.
(Waste is reduced in this company.)
2.
... recursos naturales cuando se recicla correctamente.
(Natural resources are saved when recycling is done correctly.)
3.
... la luz cuando no se necesita para ahorrar energía.
(The light is turned off when it is not needed to save energy.)
4.
... en casas más ecológicas para ahorrar energía.
(People live in more ecological houses to save energy.)
5.
... hacer pequeños cambios para ser más ecológico.
(Small changes can be made to be more environmentally friendly.)
6.
... mucha ropa de segunda mano.
(A lot of second-hand clothes are bought.)
7.
... productos ecológicos en la tienda.
(Ecological products are bought in the shop.)
8.
... el papel en la escuela para ayudar al planeta.
(Paper is recycled at school to help the planet.)