B1 Spanish grammar
Impersonal Se in Spanish for General Statements
Impersonal se makes a general statement without naming an actor. Related passive-se constructions agree with a following noun, so meaning and agreement help distinguish them.
impersonal se Spanish: Make general singular statements
Use se plus a third-person singular verb when speaking about what people generally do.
Aquí se come bien.Quick check
People live well here.
Refer to unspecified people
Impersonal se can correspond to people, one, or a general you, but it does not identify a particular subject.
No se puede fumar aquí.Recognise basic passive se agreement
When a concrete noun is presented as what is sold, rented, or needed, the verb commonly agrees with that noun.
Se venden pisos.Common mistakes
Aquí se comen bien. (no plural noun)
Aquí se come bien.
The impersonal verb remains singular.
No se puedes fumar aquí.
No se puede fumar aquí.
The impersonal verb is third-person singular.
Se vende pisos.
Se venden pisos.
In this passive-se reading, the verb agrees with the plural noun.
Ready to practise impersonal se Spanish?
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Impersonal se FAQ
What does impersonal se cover?
Impersonal se makes a general statement without naming an actor. Related passive-se constructions agree with a following noun, so meaning and agreement help distinguish them.
What is the first rule to remember?
Use se plus a third-person singular verb when speaking about what people generally do.
What is another important B1 pattern?
Impersonal se can correspond to people, one, or a general you, but it does not identify a particular subject.
How can I practise impersonal se Spanish?
Complete the focused round, review each correction, and repeat the lesson when its skills become due again.