Passive With Se
Ovdje se govori bosanski means "Bosnian is spoken here". Kafa se pije iz fildžana means "Coffee is drunk from a small cup".
How It Works
This is the everyday way to say what is usually done. Nobody is named, and the noun is the subject.
| Active | With se |
|---|---|
| Ljudi govore bosanski. | Govori se bosanski. |
| Ljudi piju kafu iz fildžana. | Kafa se pije iz fildžana. |
| Ljudi jedu ćevape s lukom. | Ćevapi se jedu s lukom. |
The verb agrees with the thing in number: Ćevapi se jedu (plural), Burek se jede (singular). In speech you may also hear a singular verb with a plural subject (Ćevapi se jede), but the agreeing form is the one to learn.
Do not confuse this with a true reflexive verb. Amir se pere means that Amir washes himself. With a thing as the subject, se gives the passive meaning: Auto se pere (the car is washed).
The press often uses a different passive with biti and a participle, but in speech the se form is much more common.
Examples (4)
- Ovdje se govori bosanski.
Bosnian is spoken here.
Govori se has no named speaker, and bosanski names the language.
- Kafa se pije iz fildžana.
Coffee is drunk from a small cup.
Kafa is the subject.
- Ćevapi se jedu s lukom.
Ćevapi are eaten with onion.
The plural subject takes a plural verb.
- Ovdje se ne puši.
No smoking here.
A common sign with se.
How It Connects
Learn This First
A passive made with se.
Related Patterns
Words in This Pattern
Practice Passive With Se in Bubblegum
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