Use of the Reflexives as a Passive
Spanish: AQA A Level, topic 16.26.1
Pasiva Refleja - Reflexive Passive
Formation
- Spanish forms the reflexive passive with se plus a verb in the third person.
- The verb is singular or plural, matching the subject of the sentence.
- Speakers use this structure when no one names the person who did the action.
- The subject receives the action, just like in a regular passive sentence.
Agreement
- The verb after se agrees with the subject in number.
- Se vende el libro. - The book is sold.
- A plural subject takes a plural verb.
- Se venden los libros. - The books are sold.
Examples
- Se publicó el libro ayer por la noche para coincidir con el cumpleaños del autor.
- The book was published last night to coincide with the author's birthday.
- El polideportivo se construyó para mejorar la vida de los habitantes de la ciudad.
- The sports centre was built to improve the lives of the city's inhabitants.
Reflexive vs Regular Passive
- Spanish also has a regular passive with ser plus a past participle.
- A past participle is the verb form used after 'have', such as 'vendido'.
- El libro fue vendido por la tienda. - The book was sold by the shop.
- Speakers prefer the reflexive passive when no one states who did the action.
- El libro se vendió. - The book was sold.