What is the Passive Voice in Chinese?
The passive voice is used when the focus is on the action or the recipient of the action, rather than who or what is performing the action. In English, this is often done by using verbs like “is,” “was,” “were,” followed by a past participle (e.g., “The book was read by her”). In Chinese, the passive voice is most commonly constructed using the word “被” (bèi), which signals that the subject of the sentence is the receiver of an action.
The Structure of Passive Sentences with “被”
To construct a passive sentence with “被,” you generally follow this structure:
Subject + 被 (bèi) + Doer of the action + Verb + (Other elements)
Here’s a breakdown:
- Subject: The person or thing receiving the action
- 被 (bèi): The marker indicating a passive voice
- Doer of the action: The person or thing doing the action (can sometimes be omitted if unknown or unimportant)
- Verb: The action being done
- Other elements: Additional information such as time, place, manner, etc.
Examples of “被” Passive Sentences
Let’s look at some clear examples:
- English: The book was stolen by him.
- Chinese: 书被他偷了。 (Shū bèi tā tōu le.)
- English: The window was broken.
- Chinese: 窗户被打破了。 (Chuānghu bèi dǎpò le.)
- English: The homework was completed by the student.
- Chinese: 作业被学生完成了。 (Zuòyè bèi xuésheng wánchéng le.)
When Should You Use “被” in Chinese?
“被” is primarily used when the action has a negative effect or an unwanted consequence. However, it can also be used in neutral contexts. It is not used as frequently as the passive voice in English, so be mindful not to overuse it. Common situations include:
- When the doer is unknown or unimportant: 车被偷了。(Chē bèi tōu le.) — The car was stolen.
- When emphasizing the receiver of the action: 这件事被大家知道了。(Zhè jiàn shì bèi dàjiā zhīdào le.) — This matter became known to everyone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many Chinese learners, especially those coming from English, tend to use “被” too often. In Chinese, the passive voice is less common and is usually reserved for specific situations, especially those involving negative or unexpected outcomes. Also, remember that “被” cannot be used with all verbs. Verbs that express states or emotions (like 喜欢 xǐhuan “to like”) do not take “被.”
Incorrect: 我被他喜欢。 (Wǒ bèi tā xǐhuan.)
Correct: 他喜欢我。 (Tā xǐhuan wǒ.) — He likes me.
How to Practice Passive Sentences with “被”
Building confidence with passive sentences takes practice. Here are some effective ways to improve:
- Translation exercises: Try translating English passive sentences into Chinese using “被.”
- Reading and listening: Pay attention to how native speakers use passive voice in books, news articles, and conversations.
- Talkpal AI: Use language learning platforms like Talkpal to get instant feedback on your passive sentence constructions and to practice with AI-powered conversations.
Summary
Constructing passive sentences in Chinese using “被” is a valuable skill for expressing yourself more naturally and understanding native materials. Remember the basic structure (Subject + 被 + Doer + Verb + Other elements), the contexts in which “被” is appropriate, and the importance of practice. For more tips and interactive exercises, check out resources and articles on the Talkpal AI language learning blog to accelerate your progress in mastering Mandarin passive voice.
