Se camina con cuidado por la acera, sobre todo cuando el semáforo cambia de color.

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Breakdown of Se camina con cuidado por la acera, sobre todo cuando el semáforo cambia de color.

• caminar: to walk
• con: with
• cuando: when
• el: the
• de: of
• el color: the color
• ,: comma
• cambiar: to change
• cuidado: careful
• la acera: the sidewalk
• sobre todo: especially
• el semáforo: the traffic light

Questions & Answers about Se camina con cuidado por la acera, sobre todo cuando el semáforo cambia de color.

Why is the impersonal “se” used in “Se camina con cuidado…” and what does it imply?

In Spanish, the pronoun se is often used to create impersonal constructions. This means the sentence is making a general statement—similar to saying “one walks with care” or “people walk carefully”—without pointing to a specific subject. It’s a common way to offer general advice or describe typical behavior.

What does “por la acera” mean, and why is the preposition por used instead of en?

“Por la acera” translates as “along the sidewalk” or “on the sidewalk.” In Spanish, por is frequently used to indicate movement or a route along a surface. While en can indicate a location, por emphasizes the action of walking along that area, which is why it fits best in this context.

What is the function of “sobre todo” in this sentence?

The phrase sobre todo means “especially” or “above all.” It is used here to stress that extra caution is particularly important in the condition mentioned later in the sentence—namely, when the traffic light changes color. It adds emphasis to the general advice given.

Why is the verb “cambia” (from “cambiar”) in the present tense “cambia de color”? Does it indicate a single occurrence or something habitual?

The present tense cambia de color is used to express a general truth or a habitual occurrence. Instead of describing one specific event, it indicates that whenever a traffic light changes color (a regular, recurring action), extra caution is advised. This usage is common in sentences that state general guidelines or observations.

Is the construction “se camina” equivalent to the passive voice in English?

Not exactly. Although “se camina” lacks an explicit subject much like the passive voice in English, it is actually an impersonal construction rather than a true passive form. It conveys a general statement—akin to “one walks with care”—without focusing on who is performing the action.