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Se requiere silencio en la biblioteca.

Se requiere silencio en la biblioteca.
Silence is required in the library.
From Lesson 83:Impersonal statements (se)·Spanish (Latin America)

Questions & Answers about Se requiere silencio en la biblioteca.

Why do we use Se requiere instead of just Requiere?
The word se makes this a general statement or rule. Without se, requiere would just mean 'he requires' or 'she requires'. Adding se changes the meaning to the passive 'silence is required', which is perfect for signs and public rules.
If we needed multiple things, would the verb change?
Yes! When using the impersonal se to say that things are required, sold, or done, the verb matches the thing itself. Since silencio is singular, we use the singular requiere. If you were talking about plural things, you would use the plural verb: Se requieren libros (Books are required).
Why is there an 'ie' in requiere?
The base verb is requerir (to require). Just like querer (to want) changes to quiere, the letter 'e' in the stem of requerir changes to 'ie' when we put the spoken stress on it.
Wait, is a biblioteca a bookstore?
No, this is a classic false friend! A biblioteca is a library where you read or borrow books. If you want to buy books at a bookstore, you need to look for a librería.

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