B1 (Intermediate)Lesson 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.
Passive "se" focuses on the thing affected
The verb usually agrees with that noun
It is common in signs and ads
se + verb + patient noun
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Use passive "se" when the verb has a direct object that becomes the focus: "vende-se apartamento", "alugam-se quartos".
The verb agrees with the noun that receives the action: singular with one item, plural with more than one.
This differs from impersonal "se", which does not passivize a direct object in the same way.
Passive "se" is common in public notices, announcements, service language, and ads.
"Precisa-se de funcionários" is impersonal, not passive, because the verb takes a prepositional complement.
In real-life signage, some speakers simplify agreement, but careful writing usually keeps it.
| Step | Rule |
|---|
| Portuguese | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Vende-se apartamento. | Apartment for sale. |
| Alugam-se quartos. | Rooms for rent. |
| Aceitam-se cartões. | Cards accepted. |
| Procura-se tradutor. | Translator wanted. |
| Precisa-se de ajuda. | Help is needed. |
Do not confuse passive "se" with impersonal "se".
Agreement mistakes appear in the wild, but careful writing keeps the standard pattern.
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