Uses of SE

The pronoun SE is used to form constructions in which the person performing the action is not expressed or is de-emphasized.

• Cierto

• Falso

Se ________ español en Costa Rica.

• hablan

• habla

You often see the impersonal "_____" in signs, advertisements, and directions.

• es

• se

• is

• it

?

• Se permite nadar.

• Si vamos a nadar.

• Se prohíbe nadar.

• A nadar

SE can also be used to describe accidental or unplanned events.

• Sí

• No

An example of an accidental or unplanned event expressed correctly:

• Se cepilló los dientes.

• Se me cayó el celular.

• Se necesitan doctores.

• No sé.

Verbs commonly used with SE.

• caer,dañar,olvidar

• decir, cantar, escribir

To clarify or emphasize who the person involved in the action is, this construction commonly begins with the preposition a + [noun]. Example: A Luisa se le olvidaron los papeles.

• Cierto

• Falso

Se _______ muy bien en El Pacífico

• comen

• come

"Se habla español" is an example of ...

• reflexive se

• accidental se

• impersonal se

• reciprocal se