Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 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 3
How to form the passive
For godan verbs, change the final う-row sound to the あ-row and add れる. For ichidan verbs, replace る with られる. する becomes される, and 来る becomes 来られる. The passive shifts the focus to the person or thing receiving the action.
Target signal
書く → 書かれる
write → be written
Notice how Passive Form Basics shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 書く
- to write
- か
- question marker; or
Compare in context
食べる → 食べられる
eat → be eaten
Notice how Passive Form Basics shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 食べる
- to eat
Compare in context
する → される
do → be done
Notice how Passive Form Basics shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- する
- to do
- さ
- the hiragana character sa
Section 2 of 3
Direct passive sentences
In a direct passive, the subject receives the action. The agent is often marked by に. This pattern is common in both everyday experience and neutral description.
Target signal
私は先生にほめられました。
I was praised by my teacher.
Notice how Passive Form Basics shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- した
- did
- 先生
- teacher; instructor; doctor
- に
- to; at; in; on
Preview
この歌は多くの人に愛されています。
This song is loved by many people.
Notice how Passive Form Basics shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- いま
- now
- この
- this
Preview
その名前はよく知られています。
That name is well known.
Notice how Passive Form Basics shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- いま
- now
- その
- that
Section 3 of 3
Why writers use the passive
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.
Target signal
名前が呼ばれたら、中に入ってください。
When your name is called, please come inside.
Notice how Passive Form Basics shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- てください
- please do ...
- ください
- please give; please do
- 入って
- entering; getting in
Preview
新しいルールは昨日説明されました。
The new rules were explained yesterday.
Notice how Passive Form Basics shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ルール
- rule
- 新しい
- new
- した
- did
Preview
この駅は多くの旅行者に利用されています。
This station is used by many travelers.
Notice how Passive Form Basics shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- いま
- now
- この
- this