Use of SE

Hi,

Can you provide some advice please? I am reading a book and keep coming across a construction which I don't understand. Here are two examples:

“Chiude la porta a chiave e SE la mette in tasca”

“Tutte le amiche SE ne sono andate”

Can you tell me what SE means? 

Also, can you tell me the name of the grammar construction, ie, is SE a reflexive construction or part of a pronominal verb etc.

Thanks!

Hi David, 

Certainly, I can help you with that. In the examples you've provided, "SE" is not a reflexive construction or part of a pronominal verb, but rather a particle that serves to reinforce the action or emphasize it. It doesn't have a direct translation into English, but it adds a sense of self-action or spontaneity to the verb.

Let's break down your examples:

- “Chiude la porta a chiave e SE la mette in tasca”

• Translation: "He locks the door and (then) puts it (the key) in his pocket."

Here, "SE" emphasizes that he himself is doing the action of putting the key in his pocket. It's similar to saying he "puts it in his pocket himself."

- “Tutte le amiche SE ne sono andate”

• Translation: "All of her friends (then) left."

In this case, "SE" adds the idea that her friends left of their own accord or spontaneously.

So, "SE" isn't a specific grammar construction, but it's used to highlight that the subject of the sentence is performing the action spontaneously or by their own initiative. It's more a feature of the Italian language for adding emphasis and nuance to actions.

I hope this clarifies its usage for you!

Best regards,

Enxhi

Hi Enxhi,

Thank you so much for this very clear explanation! I understand completely now.

This use of SE is quite nuanced. I think I would have struggled to find an explanation by just google searching.

All the best!

You're very welcome! I'm glad the explanation clarified things for you. Italian, like many languages, has its intricacies, and it's not always easy to find explanations for these subtleties online. If you ever have more questions or need further explanations, please don't hesitate to ask.

Happy learning, and all the best to you too!

Sincerely, Enxhi