Could you explain the use of Se here?

Devin P.B2Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Could you explain the use of Se here?

Is the se here like the accidental se? Is there a broader pattern here that I am missing? Are there a set number of pronomial verbs that follow this structure? Usually when I see Se at the end of a verb I think, okay this needs to be used reflexively, se and the verb agree with each other and are usually variable and not fixed in the singular/plural third person or paired with an indirect pronoun as in this lesson. Does the verb being transitive or intransitive have any bearing on the use of the indirect object pronouns? 

Thanks,

Devin

 

 

Asked 3 weeks ago
SilviaKwiziq Native Spanish TeacherCorrect answer

Hola Devin P.

Exactly, well spotted!

Yes, this se works as part of what’s called the dative of experience (or ethical dative). It expresses how something “goes” for someone, for example, se me da bien (“I’m good at it”) or se me da mal (“I’m bad at it”).

So, it’s not reflexive or accidental here, but rather a way of showing how the action affects the person emotionally or experientially.

Saludos

Silvia

Devin P.B2Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

I think I’ve got it. This is the dative of experience. 

Devin P. asked:

Could you explain the use of Se here?

Is the se here like the accidental se? Is there a broader pattern here that I am missing? Are there a set number of pronomial verbs that follow this structure? Usually when I see Se at the end of a verb I think, okay this needs to be used reflexively, se and the verb agree with each other and are usually variable and not fixed in the singular/plural third person or paired with an indirect pronoun as in this lesson. Does the verb being transitive or intransitive have any bearing on the use of the indirect object pronouns? 

Thanks,

Devin

 

 

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