How to use ‘Se trata de’ in Spanish
In this post, you’ll find:
1. The translation of se trata de
2. How to use se trata de in statements, questions, and negative sentences
3. Activities to help you understand its usage
4. Common mistakes to avoid
5. Different ways to say se trata de
The phrase se trata de in Spanish translates to ‘is about’ in English.
While the literal translation might seem like ‘is treated about’, that’s not how it works in actual usage.
In real context, it’s simply a way to introduce the subject or theme of something, like a book, movie, or conversation.
How to use ‘se trata de’ in different ways
🎬📚 How to say what a movie or book is about:
🔹The movie is about a kid who runs a lot. (Think Forrest Gump.)
La película se trata de un niño que corre mucho.
🔹This book is about how to take care of plants and make homemade fertilizers.
Este libro se trata de cómo cuidar las plantas y hacer fertilizantes caseros.
❓ How to ask what a book or series is about:
🔹What’s the name of that movie about dinosaurs in the city?
¿Cómo se llama la película que se trata de dinosaurios en la ciudad?
🔹What is that book you’re reading about?
¿De qué se trata ese libro que estás leyendo?
🔹What is the series you’re watching about?
¿De qué se trata la serie que estás viendo?
🔹What is that series about?
¿De qué se trata esa serie?
🔹What is it about?
¿De qué se trata?
🤷🏽♀️ How to say you don’t know what something is about:
🔹I don’t know what this series is about, but everyone’s talking about it.
No sé de qué se trata esta serie, pero todo el mundo habla de ella.
🔹I don’t know what it’s about.
No sé de qué se trata.
🔹I don’t know what that song is about.
No sé de qué se trata esa canción.
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Common mistake to avoid
❌ ¿Qué trata la película?
✅ ¿De qué se trata la película?
The first version is grammatically incorrect. Always remember to include the preposition ‘de’ and the reflexive ‘se’.
Comparing expressions: How do they sound?
Let’s say you’re describing the series Money Heist, and you want to say:
“The series is about some people robbing the mint in Spain”.
Here are three Spanish ways to say it, with how they come across:
a. “La serie es sobre unas personas que roban un banco en España”.
Sounds casual and informal. This is common in spoken, conversational Spanish.
b. “La serie es de unas personas que roban un banco en España”.
This structure is often heard in informal speech.
c. “La serie se trata de unas personas que roban un banco en España”.
✅ Sounds natural and standard. This is the most correct and widely used form, especially in neutral, professional, or written contexts.
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