"Algunas compradoras se gastan mucho dinero en las rebajas." means...
Why not "Algunas compradoras gastan mucho dinero..." There is no passive voice here; "Some shoppers" is the subject of this sentence.
This problem arises often in my readings of Spanish, and I would love to understand it. Is this a passive, reflexive, or accidental use of "se"?
Hi Allison
Sorry about the delay.
This "se" is intensifying the meaning of the verb. This is one of the specific uses of "se". Another example would be:
"Se fue muy rápido" (She left very quickly) or "Se comió la mitad de la tarta" (He ate half the cake)
It is very commonly used in Spanish. That's why you keep seeing it in your readings.
I hope this helps
Inma
I believe that the English translation is : Some shoppers save themselves a lot of money on "sales". The "se"is used reflexively because the "subject" saves themselves money.It is similar to the reciprocal use of "se". eg: I hug myself when it is making cold.Me abrazo Cuando hace frio.
In the two examples from Inma above ,namely: se fue muy rápido; se comió la mitad de la tarta, the verb irse means to go away.So the "se" is part of the verb "irse".In the second example I have read that it is common to use the reflexive to with "comer" to show that "the whole thing was eaten"Eg Se comió la sandia.He ate the whole watermelon!
Don't have an account yet? Join today
Test your Spanish to the CEFR standard
Find your Spanish level