why say se publica este libro?
2
votes
I'm reading this book in Spanish and it says se publica este libro. but I don't get what the spanish "se" is used for in this sentence. I know it means his/herself and itself and it could also can be used as one as in how does one say but I don't get why would it say this book published itself or something like that I am confused.
1582 views
updated Mar 10, 2012
posted by Deewrek
3 Answers
5
votes
It is an example of the passive voice. It is mainly used when the actor of the sentence is not relevant. The English equivalent is, "This book is published...".
updated Mar 10, 2012
edited by ciscocaja
posted by ciscocaja
If I were to say, "John and I made mistakes." It is clear who's to blame. "Mistakes were made." doesn't point any fingers. - ciscocaja, Mar 10, 2012
It is simply a way to construct a sentence without the need to specify "who" or "what" is performing the action. There are multiple reasons that a speaker may not "want"/"be able to" specify the actor. - ciscocaja, Mar 10, 2012
oh wow thxs thats very helpful - Deewrek, Mar 10, 2012
No problem. Here's the right way to describe it. The "passive voice" is a way of converting an "active voice" sentence in such a way that the "object" becomes the "subject" of the sentence. - ciscocaja, Mar 10, 2012
Great explanation! Thanks from me as well! - Silvia_Tcherneva, Mar 10, 2012
2
votes
the book is published - ...se publica..
the book was published - ...se publicó...
updated Mar 10, 2012
edited by Rey_Mysterio
posted by Rey_Mysterio
thats not very helpful im asking why... - Deewrek, Mar 10, 2012
0
votes
Yes, literally saying "one publishes this book."
updated Mar 10, 2012
posted by BradyLabuda
