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"Se" is a form of "se", a pronoun which is often translated as "themselves". "Por" is a preposition which is often translated as "by". Learn more about the difference between "se" and "por" below.
se(
seh
)A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
1. (reflexive)
2. (reciprocal)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Se dice que ganó su fortuna jugando al póquer.People say he won his fortune playing poker.
Se habla español.Spanish is spoken here.
por(
pohr
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
5. (by way of)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Has ido a por tu hijo a la escuela?Have you picked up your son from school?
Habrá que ir a por leche cuando lleguemos.We'll need to go out for milk when we get there.
8. (for each)
10. (in place of)
a. for
Yo terminaré el trabajo por ti cuando estés de vacaciones.I'll finish the job for you while you're on vacation.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Está por verse.That remains to be seen.
El asunto está por resolverse.The issue is yet to be resolved.
