French Passive Reflexive - Passive réfléchie

In French (and English) it is preferable to avoid the passive voice. French has numerous constructions which are commonly used in place of the passive voice, one of which is the passive reflexive.

The French passive reflexive is used in place of the passive voice in order to avoid naming the agent of a verb. The passive reflexive is formed with a noun or pronoun, then the reflexive pronoun se, and finally the appropriate verb conjugation (third person singular or plural). In essence, this construction uses a non-reflexive verb reflexively in order to demonstrate the passive nature of the action.

The literal translation of the French passive reflexive (something does something to itself) is strange to English ears, but it's important to recognize this construction and understand what it actually means.

   Ça se voit.
   That's obvious.

   Ça s'aperçoit à peine.
   It's hardly noticeable.

   Cela ne se dit pas.
   That isn't said.

   Ce livre se lit souvent.
   This book is often read.

   Comment se prononce ce mot ?
   How is this word pronounced?

   Comment ça s'écrit ? (informal)
   How is that spelled?

   Un homme s'est rencontré hier.
   A man was found yesterday.

   Un coup de tonnerre s'est entendu.
   A crash of thunder was heard.

   Les mûres ne se vendent pas ici.
   Blackberries are not sold here.

   Ce produit devrait s'utiliser quotidiennement.
   This product should be used daily.

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