Seres queridos

Question

I searched on forums and found that the expression "Seres queridos" means Loved ones. I also found "Seres vivos", leaving ones, and "Ser humano", human being.

It seems like that "Seres" is a noun that comes from the infinitive form of the verb "ser" in plural.

If it is the case are there any other infinitive verbs in Spanish that can as well be used as a noun ?

• seres vivos=living beings - qfreed Feb 16, 2010

Answer 1

"Ser" as a noun means "being" or "ones".

Given that you can say "Leer es importante" ("Reading is important"), it makes conceptual sense that "ser" means "being" (since it is the infinitive "to be"). All infinitives can be used as nouns in the right context.

• Thank you Luciende. - planf Feb 16, 2010

Answer 2

I understand that all infinitives can be used as nouns however can they be systematically used in the plural form just like "ser" and "seres" ?

For instance would we say "Leeres" or "Las lecturas" ?

I think the expression "Leeres" does not exist. "ser" is probably an exception.

• You're right. "Ser" is special because is it a noun that means "being" or "one". If you look up "ser" on this dictionary, it even has it listed at the bottom as a noun. So yes, "ser' is special in this case, but it makes sense where its meaning came from. - Luciente Feb 16, 2010

Answer 3

In general, no. If the infinitive suggests "one who does ..." there exists the possibility of saying "those who do ..." but, if as is often the case, the infinitive means the "act of doing" the opportunity for a plural use becomes greatly reduced.

Answer 4

So then what is "loved one" (singular) Is it "sere querido"? And then is "ser querido" to be loved. ?

Es bueno ser querido. ?

• A loved one = Un ser querido, un être aimé - planf Jan 3, 2011