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
Affected or adverse passive
Some passive sentences show that the subject was affected in an unpleasant or inconvenient way. This is very common in spoken Japanese and simple narratives.
Target signal
私は弟にケーキを食べられました。
My little brother ate my cake on me.
Notice how Everyday Passive Sentences shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ケーキ
- cake
- した
- did
- ケ
- katakana letter ke
Compare in context
電車で知らない人に足をふまれました。
A stranger stepped on my foot on the train.
Notice how Everyday Passive Sentences shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- した
- did
- ない
- not; there is not
- 電車
- train
Compare in context
犬にかまれて、病院へ行きました。
I was bitten by a dog and went to the hospital.
Notice how Everyday Passive Sentences shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 行きました
- went
- した
- did
- 病院
- hospital
Section 2 of 3
Neutral event passive
Not all passive sentences are negative. Event passives are common in meetings, notices, and reports when the action itself matters more than the actor.
Target signal
会議で新しい計画が説明されました。
The new plan was explained in the meeting.
Notice how Everyday Passive Sentences shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 新しい
- new
- した
- did
- 会議
- meeting
Preview
駅で名前が呼ばれました。
My name was called at the station.
Notice how Everyday Passive Sentences shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- した
- did
- 名前
- name
- が
- subject marker
Preview
卒業式は体育館で行われました。
The graduation ceremony was held in the gym.
Notice how Everyday Passive Sentences shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 体育館
- gymnasium
- した
- did
- 体育
- physical education; P.E.
Section 3 of 3
Reading the speaker’s feeling
To interpret a passive sentence correctly, ask whether the text is reporting an event neutrally or describing an experience that affected someone personally. Vocabulary around the sentence usually makes the difference clear.
Target signal
朝早く起こされて、少し眠いです。
I was woken up early, so I am a little sleepy.
Notice how Everyday Passive Sentences shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 朝早く
- early in the morning
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
- 少し
- a little
Preview
そのニュースはテレビで伝えられました。
That news was reported on TV.
Notice how Everyday Passive Sentences shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- テレビ
- TV; television
- した
- did
- その
- that
Preview
私は友だちに写真を見られて、恥ずかしかったです。
My friend saw my photos, and I felt embarrassed.
Notice how Everyday Passive Sentences shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 友だち
- friend
- しか
- only; nothing but
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are