Two infinitive verbs

Question

I would like to convert this sentence to be using the impersonal se: "Dejar calentar el aceite." It is probably incorrect to use two occurrences of se with this: Se deja se calenta...

So, should I use "Se dejar calentar el aceite."? That way there are not two occurrences of se? Does this construction automatically distribute the impersonal se to the second verb?

What is the best way to convert this to be using the impersonal se?

Thank you

(I have to convert these from infinitive to impersonal se, even though this is not customary for recipes.) - stellabystarlite, Oct 14, 2011

Answer 1

I am a beginner, but my instinct of "se deja calentar" seems to be found as a common enough construction on google.

Including: link text

With a whole recipe in impersonal construction for you as a model:

Primero, se cortan los panes de telera en trozos para dorarlos o freírlos. Se fríen las pimientas, los clavos y la raja de canela en un sartén. En una cacerola de barro se agrega el caldo de pollo (si es de rancho es mucho mejor) con el tomate y la cebolla, se deja calentar un rato. Se le agrega los ingredientes que previamente se frieron, el pan y las ciruelas pasas. Después, se le agrega sal al gusto (normalmente es una cucharada) y dos cucharadas de azúcar. Se deja hervir para después retirar la cacerola del fuego. Por último, se adornan con el huevo cocido partidos ya sea en rodajas o en cuartos y los plátanos fritos en rebanadas.

Answer 2

So, should I use "Se dejar calentar el aceite."?

Yes, that's right. Think of how you would use passive in English, for example.

Imperative: Let it to heat

Passive: It is left to heat

There is no way you would conjugate the "to heat" part, right?

It's quite typical to have a first-verb conjugated followed by one or more infinitives

"I want to be able to speak" - Quiero poder hablar. You only conjugate the first verb.

Your explanation disagrees with the example sentence. - lorenzo9, Oct 14, 2011

Answer 3

Check this out: recipes in Spanish

It is customary in recipes to use the infinitive, rather than passive voice or imperative.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer. However, my assignments are to convert a number of recipes to this impersonal se form. I know it is not customary but that is my task...Thank you anyway however! - stellabystarlite, Oct 14, 2011