Passive se vs impersonal se
se venden casas vs se vive bien
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se venden casas vs se vive bien
Passive se: the noun is the subject and the verb agrees: Se venden casas. Impersonal se: no noun subject, verb stays singular: Se vive bien. Se dice que…
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
Passive with Plural Nouns
Plural noun makes the verb plural.
Se alquilan apartamentos amueblados.
Furnished apartments for rent.
Impersonal General Statements
No object noun, verb stays singular.
Se vive muy bien en esta ciudad.
One lives very well in this city.
Impersonal Reporting Facts
Use singular for general hearsay.
Se dice que el examen será difícil.
It is said that the exam will be hard.
Common mix-ups
Because 'casas' is plural, the verb must also be plural (venden).
Inexpensive houses are for sale.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in Spanish before opening the example.
Bicycles are sold here. Use passive se.
Show one possible answer
Aquí se venden bicicletas.
Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.
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