Se Pasiva & Impersonal

Spanish often uses se + a verb in the third person instead of the passive with ser. In the se-passive the verb agrees with the thing: se vende una casa, se venden dos casas. The thing usually comes after the verb, as on signs: Se alquila apartamento (Apartment for rent).

• One thing or an infinitive → se + singular: Se prohíbe fumar (Smoking is forbidden).
• Several things → se + plural: Se necesitan voluntarios (Volunteers needed).
• No thing at all, just a general statement → impersonal se, always singular: En este pueblo se vive bien (People live well in this town).
• With people introduced by a, the verb stays singular: Se respeta a los trabajadores (Workers are respected).

Everyday questions use it too: ¿Cómo se dice…? (How do you say…?), ¿Se puede…? (Is it OK to…?).