"Es" or "se"?

Question

Another Democracy in español question:

I often have to translate phrases in legal documents where the passive voice is frequently used and abused. I still go back and forth on how to translate it.

For example, if the phrase is "A ____ is required."

Would I say:

"Un(a) _____ es requerido(a)."

OR

"Se requiere un(a) ____."

I have two native Spanish-speakers (though not trained in the language formally) who disagree on this.

Hola, Bienvenido al foro! - rac1, May 23, 2012

Hi! This there are wonderful translators in this site! Good luck! - katzens, May 23, 2012

Disagree about what? - sinsonte, May 23, 2012

Plese, without context this is impossible. - annierats, May 23, 2012

Signature? Answer? Name? - annierats, May 23, 2012

I'll just post a new question with more context. - ohblanca, May 23, 2012

Answer 1

Impersonal 'se' and Passive 'se'

Impersonal 'se' and Passive 'se'

Impersonal 'se' and Passive 'se'

Impersonal 'se' and Passive 'se' as explained on youtube

Answer 2

Necisitamos una respuesta?? No entiendo la pregunta, por favor, can you supply a bit more information? I'm only answering so that your question will become more active. We need some context..

Answer 3

I believe the normal Spanish use would be as follows,

A ? is needed - Se requiere un(a) ?

This would be similar to,

Spanish is spoken - Se habla Español

Answer 4

Thank you! I'm a big fan.