se
Lemma Details
Translation: oneself; himself; herself; itself; themselves; each other; one another
Part of Speech: pronoun
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'se', the reflexive pronoun of the third person. This pronoun has been preserved in many Romance languages including Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese. Its function in Spanish has expanded beyond the purely reflexive use to include passive, impersonal, and reciprocal constructions.
Commonality: 100%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'se' as 'self' - both start with 's' and relate to reflexive actions.
- Remember that 'se' can create the equivalent of English passive voice: 'se vende' = 'it is sold'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
The pronoun 'se' is fundamental to Spanish grammar and appears in numerous constructions. It's used to form reflexive verbs, passive voice, impersonal expressions, and to indicate unintentional actions. Understanding its various uses is essential for mastering Spanish.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Se' is a reflexive pronoun, while 'si' is a conditional conjunction meaning 'if' or 'whether'.
Notes: Both are very common words in Spanish but serve completely different grammatical functions.
Mnemonic: 'Se' has no accent and refers to 'self'; 'si' has no accent and introduces conditions.
Explanation: 'Se' is a reflexive pronoun, while 'sé' (with an accent) is either the first-person singular present of 'saber' (to know) or the imperative form of 'ser' (to be).
This word:
Juan se peina.
Juan combs his hair.
Confused word:
Yo sé la respuesta.
I know the answer.
Notes: The accent mark is crucial for distinguishing between these words.
Mnemonic: 'Se' (no accent) is about actions on oneself; 'sé' (with accent) is about knowing or commanding to be.