‘Uno debe...’ in B2 dictation re.Friends

Clara M.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

‘Uno debe...’ in B2 dictation re.Friends

Hola a todos,

I think I’m right in saying that, “Uno debe cuidar bien a sus amigos...” means “One/you must/look after/care for your friends...”. Is ‘uno debe’ just an alternative to ‘se debe’? 

I also wanted to ask about the use of ‘lo suyo’ in this passage. In the context here does it mean ‘it’s their thing/it’s up to them/ it’s their job to make me laugh...’? 

I enjoyed this exercise, gracias! :)

Asked 5 years ago
InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hola Clara,

1. Uno debe (+ infinitive)

Yes, it has the same meaning as "se debe + infinitive" as an impersonal sentence. With "uno" you don't need "se"; just the verb in the active form "uno debe...", "uno puede..." (one can..., one must...)

2. "lo suyo" in that specific sentence expresses "what the appropriate/ideal thing is" (The ideal thing is/should be to ...). It'd be the same case as these other two sentences from the lesson:

-Lo suyo sería que repartieran todo a partes iguales.

-The appropriate thing [to do] would be to share everything equally.

-Espero que en Barcelona podamos visitar iglesia de la Sagrada Familia. -Eso sería lo suyo.

-I hope in Barcelona we can visit La Sagrada Familia. -That would be ideal.

Saludos

Inma

Clara M.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Muchas gracias Inma for the explanation, much appreciated. 

 Saludos :)

Clara M. asked:

‘Uno debe...’ in B2 dictation re.Friends

Hola a todos,

I think I’m right in saying that, “Uno debe cuidar bien a sus amigos...” means “One/you must/look after/care for your friends...”. Is ‘uno debe’ just an alternative to ‘se debe’? 

I also wanted to ask about the use of ‘lo suyo’ in this passage. In the context here does it mean ‘it’s their thing/it’s up to them/ it’s their job to make me laugh...’? 

I enjoyed this exercise, gracias! :)

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