B1Lesson 5: The "SE" Constructions
Passive se presents the affected thing without naming the agent. It is frequent in signs, ads, instructions, and semi-formal writing.
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Passive se presents the affected thing without naming the agent. It is frequent in signs, ads, instructions, and semi-formal writing.
You see this pattern constantly in Brazil. It is part of real urban language, not just formal grammar: storefronts, rental ads, public notices, and classified posts use it all the time.
| Step | Rule |
|---|---|
| Rule 1 | Use passive "se" when the verb has a direct object that becomes the focus: "vende-se apartamento", "alugam-se quartos". |
| Rule 2 | The verb agrees with the noun that receives the action: singular with one item, plural with more than one. |
| Rule 3 | This differs from impersonal "se", which does not passivize a direct object in the same way. |
| Rule 4 | Passive "se" is common in public notices, announcements, service language, and ads. |
