Though it is a bit formal sounding, another way to translate the passive form in English referring to a '"general you", i.e. people in general ', is "ONE must/can...". For example "One must always tell the truth".
I find that helps me differentiate between "you must" - debes (a specific person), and the passive "One must" - se debe (people/individuals in general)
Hola Doug,
We took some time to decide which was the best way to translate the passive sentences, because, as you mentioned, there are different ways in English. After thinking about it thoroughly, we went for these options, as the most natural translations. The other reason to not use the "one must/can..." here is because there is a very similar construction that you cannot substitute by a passive with "ser"; these are the Impersonal sentences using the same verbs but only allowed in the 3rd person singular, not plural. This other lesson reflects more that construction that you are suggesting, and we used that translation there. Here is the lesson if you want to have a look.
Thanks for your observation,
Saludos,
Inma
Thanks Inma for this clarification because I was thinking the same as Doug.
Incidentally when I clicked "Like" on both your message and Doug's I received a message "sorry you feel that way" so I re-clicked. There might be a gremlin in the system.
Saludos. John
“One” not “you” Is a way better translation because “you”, although a correct translation, is ambiguous. “One” leaves no doubt as to the meaning.
Though it is a bit formal sounding, another way to translate the passive form in English referring to a '"general you", i.e. people in general ', is "ONE must/can...". For example "One must always tell the truth".
I find that helps me differentiate between "you must" - debes (a specific person), and the passive "One must" - se debe (people/individuals in general)
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