Meaning of "se les mató"

Question

When I was reviewing the construct of the passive se, I came across this Q&A post entitled "Identifying recipient of the passive voice in Spanish" on the following link.

Can someone explain to me how se les mató translates into they were killed as described in that post? I understand that se mató translates into either he was killed or he killed himself; I also understand that se mataron translates into either they were killed or they killed themselves. I don't see how se les mató translates into they were killed. I thought I finally understood passive se ;0)

Answer 1

The interpretation or the traslation that you are going to do should depend on the context, because obviously the object which receives the actions changes if you choose the wrong traslation. I will explain you with some examples:

• "A los primeros condenados se les mató usando la horca, que es una forma cruel de matar a alguien. El peor de todos los criminales fue el primero en ser ejecutado.".

• "Los otros condenados decidieron matarse solos antes que ser ahorcados, es decir, ellos se suicidaron, en ningún momento murieron por accidente. Uno de ellos se mató cortándose las venas."

• "Es cierto, te dije que ella se mató, pero no especifiqué si había muerto por accidente o se había suicidado. Tú asumiste erróneamente que se había suicidado".

  • "Esos jóvenes se mataron por su propia imprudencia, al no usar cinturón de seguridad".

Thank you Carlos, I knew someone could answer the question betther than me. Pam - pmikan-pam, Mar 29, 2012

Answer 2

Dear cdunn3, I am only learing Spanish, but could it be that les is the pronoun for them? Les is the 3rd person (to/for them, you formal). For my two cents worth, Pam

You did good, Pam. - 00cdfbd9, Mar 29, 2012

Thank you KatRJ, you are very kind. Pam - pmikan-pam, Mar 29, 2012

Answer 3

i agree with caefuego.

Answer 4

Thanks for your examples caefuego but I am still confused with the translations. Why is it "A los primeros condenados se les mató usando la horca" and not "A los primeros condenados se les mataron usando la horca"? The english translation is "The main convicts were killed using the gallows." Why doesn't the verb reflect a plural subject in spanish?

Answer 5

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