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What does "se" mean?

What does "se" mean?

1
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Online translators say that it means "is." When do you use it? Is it used to replace "esta" or "es?" Thank you!

2546 views
updated Nov 15, 2009
posted by FlamingPiWalrus

2 Answers

1
vote

In some cases we are talking about the impersonal "se." Here's the lesson on that subject.

Impersonal expressions are used when the subject of a verb is unspecified (but is human). They are mostly used to make general statements and to express rules.

Examples

* Se necesita que la gente protejan la Tierra. (It´s necessary that people protect the Earth.)
* Se habla español aquí. (Spanish is spoken here.)
* Se dice que va a llover mañana. (It´s said it is going to rain tomorrow.)
* Se prohibe fumar. (Smoking is prohibited.)
* No se permite fotos aquí. (Photographs are not permitted.)
updated Nov 15, 2009
posted by --Mariana--
1
vote

HI Flaming, welcome to the forumsmile

Have a look at the reference. Se is a pronoun, not is.

This is one part of se.

updated Nov 15, 2009
posted by 00494d19