Understanding the Passive Form in Japanese Grammar

The passive form is an indispensable component of Japanese grammar, allowing speakers to convey the idea of an action being done to – or received by – a person or thing. Mastering this linguistic structure is essential for achieving fluency in the language. Throughout this article, we will delve into the intricacies and nuances of the passive form in Japanese grammar.

Formation and Usage of Passive Verbs

In order to form the passive verb in Japanese, one must first determine the verb group to which it belongs. There are three verb groups in the Japanese language:

1. Group 1 verbs: Also known as godan verbs, these verbs follow the simple rule of replacing the final -u syllable with an -areru syllable. For example, the passive form of ‘kaku’ (to write) would be ‘kakareru’ (to be written).
2. Group 2 verbs: Also known as ichidan verbs, these verbs can be changed into their passive forms by replacing the final -ru syllable with an -rareru syllable. For example, the passive form of ‘taberu’ (to eat) would be ‘taberareru’ (to be eaten).
3. Group 3 verbs: This final group contains two irregular verbs, ‘kuru’ (to come) and ‘suru’ (to do). The passive forms for these verbs are ‘korareru’ (to be come) and ‘sarareru’ (to be done), respectively.

Passive verbs in Japanese are used in two primary situations:

1. When the subject is acted upon: In this case, the passive form signifies that the subject is the receiver of the action. For example, ‘Watashi wa hon o yomareru’ (I am read the book) highlights that the book is read by the speaker.
2. When expressing politeness or humility: Here, the passive form takes on a more indirect or humble tone. For example, ‘Sensei ni oshierareru’ (I am taught by the teacher) conveys a respectful regard for the teacher.

Identifying the Agent in Passive Sentences

To attribute a specific action to a person or thing, the particle ‘に’ (ni) is used to identify the agent in a passive sentence. For example, ‘Watashi wa Tom ni hanasareru’ (I am spoken to by Tom) specifies that Tom is the one doing the action of speaking to the speaker.

Passive Form with Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

Both transitive and intransitive verbs can be used in the passive form, but there are some differences to note:

• Transitive verbs: Passive sentences with transitive verbs involve direct objects. For example, ‘Ken wa Keiko ni kisu sareru’ (Ken is kissed by Keiko).
• Intransitive verbs: When using intransitive verbs in passive sentences, the verbs function as causative passive forms. For example, ‘Watashi wa ame ni furareta’ (I was rained on) expresses the idea of being affected by an indirect cause (the rain).

Conclusion

The passive form in Japanese grammar is essential to convey actions done to, or received by, a person or thing, as well as to express politeness or humility. By understanding the structure and usage of passive verbs, learners can enhance their Japanese language skills and fluency. As you continue studying Japanese, the passive form will become an invaluable part of your linguistic repertoire, enabling you to express thoughts and ideas with greater depth and nuance.