Passive Se vs Impersonal Se

Level 4

The distinction depends on the verb's transitivity. If the verb takes a direct object, 'se' is passive and the verb must agree with that object. If the verb takes an indirect object or is intransitive, 'se' is impersonal and the verb stays singular.

How It Works

In formal Portuguese, the role of the particle se changes based on the verb it accompanies:

1. Passive Se (Voz Passiva Sintética):
This occurs with Transitive Direct Verbs (VTD). In this construction, what would be the direct object becomes the grammatical subject. Therefore, the verb must agree in number with that subject.

  • Vende-se a casa (The house is sold)
  • Vendem-se as casas (The houses are sold)

2. Impersonal Se (Sujeito Indeterminado):
This occurs with Transitive Indirect Verbs (VTI), Intransitive Verbs (VI), or Linking Verbs (VL). Because there is no grammatical subject to agree with, the verb is fixed in the 3rd person singular. You will often see a preposition (like de) following the verb.

  • Precisa-se de ajuda (Help is needed)
  • Precisa-se de funcionários (Employees are needed — note the verb remains singular)

In casual Brazilian Portuguese, there is a strong tendency to treat the passive se as impersonal, leading to phrases like 'Vende-se casas'. However, in formal writing and exams, the agreement rule is strictly enforced.

Examples (5)

  1. Alugam-se apartamentos mobiliados.

    Furnished apartments are for rent.

    Word by Word: Rent-themselves apartments furnished.

    Passive Se: 'Apartamentos' is the plural subject, so the verb 'alugar' must be plural ('alugam').

  2. Trata-se de problemas graves.

    It is about serious problems.

    Word by Word: Treats-itself of problems serious.

    Impersonal Se: 'Tratar-se de' is a transitive indirect verb. The verb remains singular even though 'problemas' is plural.

  3. Vive-se muito bem nesta cidade.

    One lives very well in this city.

    Word by Word: Lives-itself very well in this city.

    Impersonal Se: 'Viver' is an intransitive verb here, indicating a generic 'one' or 'people'.

  4. Consertam-se relógios antigos.

    Old watches are repaired.

    Word by Word: Repair-themselves watches old.

    Passive Se: Since 'relógios' is the plural subject, the verb 'consertar' agrees in the plural.

  5. Acredita-se que a economia vai melhorar.

    It is believed that the economy will improve.

    Word by Word: Believes-itself that the economy goes to improve.

    Impersonal Se: Used here to introduce a general belief without specifying who believes it.

Common Mistakes

  • Failing to pluralize the verb in passive constructions.

    Vende-se carros usados.
    Vendem-se carros usados.

    In formal grammar, 'carros' is the subject of the passive voice, so the verb must be plural. 'Vende-se' is common in speech but incorrect in formal writing.

  • Pluralizing the verb when a preposition is present (Impersonal Se).

    Precisam-se de novos voluntários.
    Precisa-se de novos voluntários.

    When 'se' follows a verb with a preposition (VTI), it is an impersonal marker. The verb must always be 3rd person singular.

How It Connects

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Passive Se vs Impersonal SeLevel 4

Learn This First

To distinguish between the passive 'se' and the impersonal 'se', you must first understand how each functions individually. The passive 'se' involves a grammatical subject that the verb must agree with, whereas the impersonal 'se' is used with verbs that do not take a direct object (intransitive, transitive indirect, or linking verbs) and remains invariably in the third person singular.

Words in This Pattern