What does se habla espanol mean?

Answer 1

As one can see from the following discussion, "se" is a very confusing subject. Most of the following explanations have a level of correctness, but miss out in one or more important aspects of this complicated topic. The "se" in "Se habla español" is either in the "passive voice", or is "impersonal". In English the passive is expressed by saying "one" or "you". For example "One must be polite at the meeting", or "you have to drive the posted speed limit here". Using this form, the phrase means "one speaks Spanish". The "impersonal" is where we get the interpretation that the phrase means "Spanish is spoken". If it is used as a reflexive, it would indicate the subject of the phrase is the recipient of the action of the verb "hablar". As is discussed below, this could possibly mean "Spanish speaks itself", but the real subject here is implied (this is a phrase, not a sentence), and it would be whoever is doing the speaking. This is a little torturous, and I believe most people would find it easier to understand the passive/impersonal explanation.

"Se" Means "he" or "she" "Habla" means "speaks", and "espanol" means "spanish"; therefore, the phrase means "He (or she) speaks spanish". You may see "Habla Espanol" on an office sign, which generally means that someone working there speaks Spanish (the "I" is understood in the word "Habla"). However, for businesses, a more correct phrase would be "Hablamos espanol," which means "We speak Spanish" (and that the business is bi-lingual).

[this answer is wrong. He -> Él She -> Ella

It can also mean Do you speak Spanish?

[Only without the 'se' in front. ¿Habla Español? Would be the formal quesion. If you want a pronoun, you can put Usted after Español. ]

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Se habla espanol means 'Spanish is spoken'.

If you wanted to ask 'Do you speak Spanish?' then you'd say Habla (or hablas) espanol?

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The "I" is not part of the sentence "Se Habla Español". It is a reflexive verb that speaks about itself. The first answer is correct for understanding, but grammatically, it means "Spanish speaks itself". It is more commonly used here in Phoenix with businesses than "Hablamos Español".

Habla means He/she/you speak.

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The sign on the business should be understood as "Spanish is spoken" (here).

For a more literal translation try, (one or someone) (he/she) speaks Spanish.

Consider it within the following expanded context.

Here at the Acme Company we have have an excellent representative who will answer all of your questions about our products. And, by the way "se habla espanol".

Within this context we see that se is a reflexive reference back to the representative who speaks Spanish,not to Spanish speaking itself.

Note: "Hablamos espanol" might suggest "we (all) speak Spanish" (here).

"Se habla espanol" says, at the least "one speaks Spanish" (here).

Se is a genderless reflexive Spanish pronoun which can refer to you,he,she or it,and as well be used as an indefinite, as is the case above.
"do you speak spanish?" is the translation

Answer 2

Translation: Spanish is spoken.

Note: This is often on signs on the entrances of stores or offices to indicate that people in the store or office speak Spanish and, therefore, will be able to respond to queries in Spanish.

Answer 3

"Se habla español" means "Spanish is spoken" in English. This phrase is commonly used to indicate that Spanish-speaking individuals or services are available.