Spanish language learning forums

Spanish language learning forums (http://forums.tomisimo.org/index.php)
-   Grammar (http://forums.tomisimo.org/forumdisplay.php?f=19)
-   -   He asked vs he was asked (http://forums.tomisimo.org/showthread.php?t=25747)

Sang November 28, 2020 11:47 AM

He asked vs he was asked
 
I can´t make sense of how "se le preguntó" translated into "he was asked" when for example "se le olvidó" translated into simply "he forgot". Should "se le preguntó" be translated into "he asked"?

Rusty November 28, 2020 12:01 PM

"He asked" is an active voice construction in English. The subject is 'he.' The active voice equivalent is "Él preguntó" in Spanish.

"He was asked" is a passive voice construction in English. One of the equivalents in Spanish is "se le preguntó (a él)," an example of the pasiva refleja construction.
(The voz pasiva (passive voice) equivalent would be "Él fue preguntado.")
"Se le olvidó" is an example of the "no-fault se" construction in Spanish. Its literal translation is '(it) forgot itself on him.' No comparison can be made between a no-fault construction and the pasiva refleja.
The pronoun se is used in several Spanish constructions, all yielding a different English translation.

AngelicaDeAlquezar November 28, 2020 01:27 PM

I agree with Rusty.
"Se" has several meanings and uses.
You may find a useful discussion here. :)

Sang December 03, 2020 11:23 PM

it made sense, thanks Rusty!

Rusty December 03, 2020 11:47 PM

You're welcome!


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:31 AM.

Forum powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.