Question
Updated on
18 Sep 2017
- English (US)
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Spanish (Mexico)
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French (France)
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Japanese
Question about Spanish (Mexico)
Can someone thoroughly explain the purpose of "se" to me? Why is it in some phrases using a verb like "ella se cayó" but not "ella comió"?
Can someone thoroughly explain the purpose of "se" to me? Why is it in some phrases using a verb like "ella se cayó" but not "ella comió"?
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- Spanish (Mexico)
"Se" indica que algo le sucedió a una persona. Cuando la utilizas, hablas en tercera persona. Por ejemplo ella se cayó es así porque ella fue quien se tropezó y es posible que alguien se caiga, pero no es así con ella "se" comió, porque es imposible que alguien se coma así misma, entonces si quieres indicar que ella tomó sus alimentos sólo dices ella comió.
Solo recuerda que se usa en tercera persona y solo para actos que sean posibles que puedan sucede. Como dije, es imposible comerte a ti mismo.
Ex.
-A él se le olvidó la tarea.
-Tenía tanta prisa, que se le rompieron las bolsas del supermercado.
A oKailey se le juntaron los cachorros porque estaba comiendo una hamburguesa.
Highly-rated answerer
- English (US)
- Spanish (Mexico)
- Spanish (Mexico)
Those are called "Verbos Reflexivos". The infinitive form of the verb you mentioned es "Caerse". Another examples are "Morirse", "Morderse", "Bajarse", and so on. Basically, those are verbs that express an action made by somebody (or two, or more people) to/over itself (or themselves).
In the example you gave ("ella se cayó") "She" makes the action, and that action is done over herself. "Se" indicates that action done over herself.
Try to create an example using the verb "morirse" (to die), will you? And let me know if it was helpful to you. If not, to try to explain it in another way if possible to me
- Spanish (Mexico)
By the way, the word "se" is called "Pronombre Reflexivo", and there are some others... if you want to go further and check some information about it :D Then, if you have problems, here we might help you.
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