What does “se” mean in Spanish?

People often ask what “se” means in Spanish as they see it used everywhere yet is has no single meaning; it can be translated differently depending on how it is used. If you are just starting to learn Spanish you don’t need to worry too much about it, however, as you advance further with the language, you will begin to understand what it can mean in different contexts.

Keeping it simple – here are the most common ways you will see “se” used:

1. Himself / herself / themselves (Reflexive pronoun)

With reflexive verbs the subject is also the object.

Se levanta = He/She gets up [Literally: He/She gets himself/herself up]

Se duerme = He/She falls asleep Continue reading →