The reflexive passive
When you want to state a general rule, procedure, or fact without mentioning who is doing the action, use the reflexive passive (pasiva refleja). In English, this is often phrased as "is done" or "are done."
To form it, use the pronoun se followed by a verb in the third person.
The verb must agree with the noun receiving the action, because grammatically, that noun is the subject. Use a singular verb for a singular noun:
| Here the train ticket is validated. | Aquí se valida el boleto del tren. |
Use a plural verb for a plural noun:
| Bicycles are not permitted on the platform. | No se permiten bicicletas en el andén. |
In the past tense
The reflexive passive also works in other tenses, as long as you maintain subject-verb agreement:
| The subway platforms were cleaned last night. | Se limpiaron los andenes del metro anoche. |
Word order
The noun usually comes after the verb, but it can also go before it, just like a standard subject. The agreement rules stay exactly the same.
| The turnstiles are closed at noon. | Los torniquetes se cierran al mediodía. |
| The doors must never be obstructed. | Las puertas nunca se deben obstruir. |
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