Se confusion.

Question

I once read someone say "Nadie se toma las cosas enserio" & I understand every form of "se", but I don't have any idea why "se" is in the sentence. If it was out, it would still be "takes" because of "toma" so why is "se" in that sentence??

In other words, toma vs se toma - Elhombreneqro, Dec 4, 2014

*en serio - Suzanne_Romijnders, Dec 4, 2014

Welcome to SpanishDict. - rac1, Dec 4, 2014

Answer 1

You don't understand all forms of "se", and this proves it.

On the other hand if it is true you know then think a bit harder about what you know of using "se"

Nadie toma las cosas en serio.

Nadie se toma las cosas en serio.

Can you say why that "se" in there?

Edit: First of all, remembering by rot is not the same as knowing....

Toma las cosas en serio = he/she takes things seriously

Se toma las cosas en serio = he/she himself/herself takes things seriously.

That's why it is called the reflexive, if I am not wrong, since I don't know much of my or your grammar.

It's part of the verb. Se Tomar = Tomarse . But idk why. Idk how I'll remember how to order it, if I hear that, or try to say it, I won't understand why it works. - Elhombreneqro, Dec 4, 2014

please read my edit. - chileno, Dec 4, 2014

Answer 2

Suzanne´s link can still be a little confusing because with "to drink" we can use tomar with or without se.

In the case of "Nadie se toma las cosas enserio" you should ask yourself: "Are these things being taken somewhere or being drunk?" Obviously not, so the natural conclusion is that these things are not being considered seriously by anyone: Nobody considers the things seriously / to be serious.

Answer 3

That's a se léxico, meaning it's part of the verb: tomarse.

'Tomarse' has a slightly different meaning from just 'tomar':

If you scroll aaaall the way down here: you'll find its uses; among #4: 'to take seriously'.

'se lo toma todo muy en serio' - he takes it all very seriously

So "se" means he? Wtf? Tomarse means ( supposedly ) to take oneself. Lo means it. ( roughly ) so how is "se" he or what is it? - Elhombreneqro, Dec 4, 2014

'se' can refer to him, her, it, you(formal), you(plural formal), them ....(-self). It can also go untranslated in English or add the meaning of f.e. 'completely. Full explanation here if you want: http://www.spanishdict.com/answers/268410/se-conjugations - Suzanne_Romijnders, Dec 4, 2014