Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
How to form the passive
Form the passive for godan, ichidan, and irregular verbs.
Start with the example
→
write → be written
Notice the variation
→
eat → be eaten
More detail: how to apply this
For godan verbs, change the final u-row kana to the a-row and add : →.
Final becomes , as in →.
For ichidan verbs, replace with : →.
The irregular forms are → and →（）.
The same surface form can have other uses, so read the participants and context.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Recover the action and its receiver before deciding whether the agent is stated or omitted.
is passive. Someone explained the rules, but the sentence does not need to identify that person.
。
The new rules were explained yesterday.
Recover the action and its receiver before deciding whether the agent is stated or omitted.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
→
write → be written
Vocabulary notes
- 書く
- to write
Compare in context
→
eat → be eaten
Vocabulary notes
- 食べる
- to eat
Compare in context
→
do → be done
Vocabulary notes
- する
- to do
Section 2 of 4
Direct passive sentences
Direct passive sentences
Start with the example
。
I was praised by my teacher.
Notice the variation
。
This song is loved by many people.
More detail: how to apply this
In a direct passive, the subject receives the action.
The agent is often marked by .
This pattern is common in both everyday experience and neutral description.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I was praised by my teacher.
In this example, the message is: I was praised by my teacher.
。
I was praised by my teacher.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I was praised by my teacher.
Showing Direct passive sentences: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I was praised by my teacher.
Vocabulary notes
- 先生
- teacher; instructor; doctor
- に
- to; at; in; on
Preview
。
This song is loved by many people.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
Preview
。
That name is well known.
Vocabulary notes
- その
- that
Section 3 of 4
Why writers use the passive
Recover the action and its receiver before deciding whether the agent is stated or omitted.
Why writers use the passive
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The new rules are the topic receiving the explanation action. They are not the ones speaking.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
The passive is useful when the receiver of the action matters more than the actor, or when the actor is obvious, unknown, or not important.
In notices, articles, and summaries, this is very common.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
When your name is called, please come inside.
In this example, the message is: When your name is called, please come inside.
、。
When your name is called, please come inside.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: When your name is called, please come inside.
Showing Why writers use the passive: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
When your name is called, please come inside.
Preview
。
The new rules were explained yesterday.
Vocabulary notes
- 新しい
- new
Preview
。
This station is used by many travelers.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
Passive reassigns the praised person as subject while identifies the praising agent.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
Passive reassigns the praised person as subject while identifies the praising agent.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Same praise event from teacher/receiver viewpoints
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.