Module 17: The Passive Voice and Reflexive Verbs

In this module, we will explore two important aspects of Spanish grammar: The Passive Voice and Reflexive Verbs. Understanding how to use the passive voice allows you to shift focus in a sentence, while reflexive verbs help you talk about actions that reflect back on the subject.

Lesson 1: The Passive Voice

Forming the Passive Voice:

The passive voice in Spanish is constructed using the verb ser (to be) and the past participle of the main verb. The past participle must agree in gender and number with the subject of the sentence.

Structure of Passive Voice:

ser (in the appropriate tense) + past participle of the verb (agreeing in gender and number)

Example with leer (to read):

El libro fue leído por Juan. – The book was read by Juan.
La carta será enviada mañana. – The letter will be sent tomorrow.

Example with escribir (to write):

La novela fue escrita por el autor. – The novel was written by the author.
Las cartas serán entregadas mañana. – The letters will be delivered tomorrow.

Usage of Passive Voice:

The Passive Voice is commonly used when the focus is on the action or the recipient, and not on who is performing the action.
In many cases, Spanish uses the Passive Voice similarly to English, especially in formal or impersonal contexts.

Example:

Las instrucciones fueron seguidas cuidadosamente. – The instructions were followed carefully.
El informe será presentado en la reunión. – The report will be presented at the meeting.

Common Verbs Used in the Passive Voice:

ser (to be)
estar (to be, used for actions in progress)
hacer (to do, make)
dejar (to leave, allow)

Example sentences:

La comida está siendo preparada. – The food is being prepared.
La casa fue construida en 1980. – The house was built in 1980.

Lesson 2: Reflexive Verbs

What are Reflexive Verbs?

Reflexive verbs are verbs in which the subject and the object of the action are the same. In other words, the subject is doing the action to themselves. In Spanish, reflexive verbs are marked by a reflexive pronoun: me, te, se, nos, os, or se.

Structure of Reflexive Verbs:

Subject + reflexive pronoun + verb

Example:

Me lavo las manos. – I wash my hands.

Conjugation of Reflexive Verbs:

Reflexive verbs follow regular conjugation patterns, but they must always include the reflexive pronoun that matches the subject.

Example with levantarse (to get up):

Me levanto – I get up
Te levantas – You get up
Él/Ella se levanta – He/She gets up
Nos levantamos – We get up
Ellos/Ellas se levantan – They get up

Common Reflexive Verbs:

levantarse – to get up
ducharse – to shower
vestirse – to dress
acostarse – to go to bed
sentirse – to feel (emotionally or physically)

Example sentences:

Me siento cansado. – I feel tired.
Nos acostamos tarde. – We go to bed late.
Ella se ducha por la mañana. – She showers in the morning.

Lesson 3: Reflexive Verbs in the Passive Voice

Using Reflexive Verbs with Passive Voice:

In some cases, reflexive verbs can be used in the passive voice when the action is done to the subject. This is especially common in the case of certain verbs that imply the subject is passively undergoing the action.

Example with perderse (to get lost):

Se perdió el partido. – The match was lost.
Se vendieron las entradas. – The tickets were sold.

Combining Reflexive Pronouns and Passive Voice:

Se is often used in constructions that mimic the passive voice, especially when the subject is not specifically mentioned, but the focus is on the action or event itself.

Example:

Se construyeron muchas casas. – Many houses were built.
Se vendieron todas las entradas. – All the tickets were sold.

Lesson 4: Reflexive Verbs with Emotional States

Common Reflexive Verbs Expressing Emotions:

Many reflexive verbs are used to describe emotional or mental states that reflect the subject’s inner experience.

sentirse (to feel): Me siento feliz. – I feel happy.
enfermarse (to get sick): Te enfermaste después de la lluvia. – You got sick after the rain.
preocuparse (to worry): Nos preocupamos por ti. – We worry about you.

These verbs are often used with adjectives to describe feelings or states of being:

Me siento triste. – I feel sad.
Ella se siente emocionada. – She feels excited.

End of Module 17: Review

By the end of this module, you will have a solid understanding of how to use the Passive Voice to focus on actions or events rather than the subject performing the action. Additionally, you will have learned how to use reflexive verbs to describe actions that reflect back on the subject, especially in relation to daily routines and emotional states. Mastery of these two topics will make your Spanish more versatile and allow for more detailed and complex communication.