Passive voice for 'is used'

Question

Hi,

What is the correct way to say 'is used' in Spanish? For example in the sentence 'It is used to watch movies'.

Is it something simple like 'se usa...' or am I way off?

I have always found the passive voice really difficult to get my head round!

Many thanks

Answer 1

Hey Katty,

You are on the right track! In Spanish, there are actually two ways to use the passive voice:

1) the use of "se", I dont know what it is technically called. For example: Se usa la máquina para ver películas = the machine is used to see movies. Here, the "se" kind of acts as your subject to reduce the importance of the person who is doing the action. Note that the verb must match the noun that it is referring to, in this case la máquina, in terms of plurality. For example, you must say "se usan las máquinas" because máquinas is plural.

2)Ser + Past Participle. Technically, "es usado" is the passive voice, but I would caution against the use of this form of the passive voice. From what i've seen, the use of "se" is much more natural and common. But, I do quite frequently hear this construction when referring to people, for example "el hombre fue asesinado", Note that in this construction the verb matches the subject in terms of gender and plurality. For example you must say "las mujeres fueron asesinadas"

Hope this helps

nice answer :) - Kiwi-Girl, Jul 15, 2012

I don't think you can say "se usan" just because máquinas is plural. I believe you still use "se usa". - Eddy, Jul 15, 2012

Answer 2

Eddy,

maybe you are confusing the passive "se" with the impersonal "se". I can't see any problem with "se usan máquinas" (máquinas son usadas), in number agreement with the subject.

"Se usa máquinas" is not correct, just like "machines is used" in English

How very , very good to see you! - annierats, Jul 16, 2012

That's exactly what I am doing, the impersonal "se". - Eddy, Jul 16, 2012

Tanto gusto de verte de nuevo. - Eddy, Jul 16, 2012

Answer 3

kramer12 said

For example, you must say "se usan las máquinas" because máquinas is plural.

I don't think you can say "se usan" just because máquinas is plural. I believe you still use "se usa".

A native speaker's input here would be appreciated.

Not to be rude, but I am completely sure that you can say "se usan" - kramer12, Jul 15, 2012

http://ic.ucsc.edu/~mcmorris/span5/gramatic/usose/impasiv/impasiv.htm - kramer12, Jul 15, 2012

Your not being rude, it's just a difference of opinion. I always believed that "se" refering to "one" was singular. - Eddy, Jul 16, 2012

Answer 4

.. se approvecha del móvil para ver películas, hoy día..

There are lots of other variants, but it is sunday..

El domingo no sirve para trabajar.

Answer 5

Se utiliza para.... might work.

Sometimes the verb "servir" can be used to say that something is used for a certain purpose too.

Answer 6

You are right!

Se usa para mirar peliculas.

Answer 7

from a manual about tractors on public roads:

Luces blancas o amarillas se usan en frente y luces.....

Sorry Cogumela, I was looking for something to support the 'usan'and didn't see your answer. No need for mine!

Answer 8

kramer12 commented

Not to be rude, but I am completely sure that you can say "se usan".

Su vínculo es interesante y he aprendido algo nuevo, sin embargo esta regla trata de anuncios. Por desgracia mantengo que no se puede decir "se usan" en el ejemplo de este hilo porque, un anuncio, eso no es.

Answer 9

Wow that was quick! Thanks everyone! And thank you kramer12 for you explanation. I'll get it eventually. Lol.

Answer 10

My Sunday is used to relax.

Mi domingo se utiliza para relajar.

Note "se" is a form of the verb "to be" - English passive sentences always have at least one "to be" verb - the other verb is in the past tense.