What is the Indeterminate ‘Se’ in Portuguese?
The particle ‘se’ in Portuguese serves multiple functions, but one of its most common and important roles is to create sentences where the subject is not specifically identified. This is known as the particle of indeterminacy. In English, this is often translated as the passive voice or with the impersonal “one” or “they.” It’s a way to generalize actions, making statements less direct or more universal.
How Does ‘Se’ Work as a Particle of Indeterminacy?
When ‘se’ is used as a particle of indeterminacy, it is typically paired with a verb in the third person singular form. This construction allows speakers to refer to actions performed by an unknown, unspecified, or irrelevant subject.
Examples:
- Vende-se pão. (Bread is sold / Bread for sale.)
- Fala-se português aqui. (Portuguese is spoken here.)
- Procura-se gerente. (Manager wanted.)
- Diz-se que vai chover. (It is said that it will rain.)
In each case, ‘se’ indicates that the action is being done by people in general, not a specific person. This is especially common in advertisements, signs, instructions, and general statements.
When Should You Use the Indeterminate ‘Se’?
You should use ‘se’ as a particle of indeterminacy in the following situations:
- When the subject is unknown or irrelevant.
- To make impersonal statements or generalizations.
- In instructions, rules, or public notices.
- When translating passive voice sentences from English to Portuguese.
Common Contexts for Indeterminate ‘Se’
- Signs and notices: “Aluga-se apartamento” (Apartment for rent).
- General truths: “Diz-se que viajar é bom para a alma” (It is said that traveling is good for the soul).
- Instructions: “Mistura-se os ingredientes” (The ingredients are mixed).
How to Form Sentences Using Indeterminate ‘Se’
To correctly use ‘se’ as a particle of indeterminacy, follow these steps:
- Start with ‘se’ before the verb.
- Use the verb in the third person singular (unless the noun is plural, in which case third person plural is used).
- Do not include a specific subject; the sentence should remain general or impersonal.
Examples with Plural Nouns:
- Vendem-se carros. (Cars are sold.)
- Alugam-se casas. (Houses for rent.)
Notice that the verb agrees in number with the noun, not ‘se’. This is a common point of confusion for learners, so pay close attention to verb conjugation.
Difference Between Indeterminate ‘Se’ and Reflexive ‘Se’
It’s important to distinguish the indeterminate ‘se’ from its use as a reflexive pronoun. In reflexive sentences, ‘se’ refers back to the subject (e.g., “Ele se lava” – “He washes himself”). With the particle of indeterminacy, there’s no specific subject; the focus is on the action itself or on people in general.
Tips for Mastering the Indeterminate ‘Se’
- Read Portuguese signs, ads, and instructions to see real-life examples.
- Practice forming impersonal sentences from active ones.
- Use language learning platforms like Talkpal to reinforce this structure in context.
- Pay attention to verb agreement with the subject noun (singular or plural).
- Listen for ‘se’ in Portuguese media to understand its natural usage.
Conclusion
Understanding and using ‘se’ as a particle of indeterminacy is a key milestone for anyone learning Portuguese. It allows you to express actions and statements without specifying who is responsible, making your speech more flexible and natural. By observing real-world examples and practicing regularly—especially with resources like Talkpal—you will confidently incorporate this essential structure into your conversations, sounding more like a native speaker every day.
