Plural passive 'se'
In Spanish, classified ads often use the passive se (pasiva refleja) to express what is needed, sought, or sold. Unlike in English, the verb must agree in number with the thing or people being acted upon.
If the subject being searched for or offered is plural—like electricians (los electricistas) or plumbers (los fontaneros)—you must use the third-person plural form of the verb.
| Electricians are needed in this neighborhood. | Se necesitan electricistas en este barrio. |
| Plumbers are wanted before the move. | Se buscan fontaneros antes de la mudanza. |
Finding the right tradesperson
Whether you are tackling a renovation (la reforma) or finishing up a move (la mudanza), you will often see this structure used to look for builders (los albañiles) or painters (los pintores).
| If you do a renovation, builders are needed. | Si haces una reforma, se necesitan albañiles. |
| Painters are wanted for the new buildings. | Se buscan pintores para los edificios nuevos. |
Offering services
Tradespeople also use the plural passive se to advertise their services, such as carrying out repairs (los arreglos) at a client's home (el domicilio). A great phrase to look out for in these ads is sin compromiso (without obligation).
| Repairs are done without obligation. | Se hacen arreglos sin compromiso. |
| Bathroom renovations are offered without obligation. | Se ofrecen reformas de baños sin compromiso. |
