A Comprehensive Guide to Passive Voice in Korean Grammar
Understanding Passive Voice in Korean Grammar
Passive voice is a common grammatical structure in many languages, including English and Korean. In passive sentences, the subject receives the action of the verb, rather than performing the action. This article delves into the intricacies of passive voice in Korean grammar, providing a complete overview of its usage and structure.
Formation of Passive Verbs in Korean
Create Passive Verbs from Active Verbs
In Korean, passive verbs are created by adding specific endings to the active verb root. These endings vary depending on the verb type and its final consonant or vowel. There are two main verb types in Korean: action verbs and descriptive verbs. Below, we outline the process of creating passive verbs for each verb type.
– Action Verbs: To form a passive verb from an action verb, determine whether the active verb has a final consonant (받침) or not. If there is a final consonant, -이- is added; if not, -히-, -리-, or -기- is added. For example, the passive form of 먹다 (to eat) is 먹히다, and the passive form of 만들다 (to make) is 만들리다.
– Descriptive Verbs: In some cases, descriptive verbs can be turned into passive verbs using -게- or -게 되다. For example, the passive form of 좋다 (to be good) is 좋게 되다 (to become good).
Irregular Verbs
There are also a few irregular verbs in Korean that do not follow the usual pattern; instead, they undergo internal phonetic changes. A well-known example is 하다 (to do), which becomes 되다 (to be done) in passive form. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with these irregular verbs for accurate usage of passive voice.
Using Passive Voice in Korean Sentences
When to Use Passive Voice
While passive voice may not be as common as active voice in spoken Korean, it is still employed in various situations. Here are some cases where using passive voice is appropriate:
1. When the subject performing the action is unknown or unimportant: e.g., 문이 열렸다 (The door was opened).
2. When emphasizing the outcome or result of an action: e.g., 그 작품은 아트 갤러리에서 전시되었다 (The artwork was exhibited at an art gallery).
3. In formal writing or news reports to maintain objectivity and focus on the facts: e.g., 학교에서 도서관이 개설되었다 (A library was opened at the school).
Word Order in Passive Sentences
The syntax in passive voice sentences remains the same as in active voice sentences, sticking to the subject-object-verb (SOV) word order. However, note that the subject in a passive sentence is the receiver of the action. For an in-depth understanding, let’s examine the following example:
– Active: 제인이 그림을 그렸다 (Jane drew the picture).
– Passive: 그림이 제인에 의해 그려졌다 (The picture was drawn by Jane).
Avoiding Misinterpretation in Korean Passive Sentences
Using the Passive Marker -에 의하다/-에 의해-
In Korean, passive sentences can sometimes be ambiguous due to potential confusion between the subject and object. To clarify the agent behind the action, add the passive marker -에 의하다 or its short form -에 의해. These markers explicitly indicate the performer of the action, as shown in the example above with 제인에 의해 그려졌다.
In conclusion, understanding the passive voice in Korean grammar involves mastering the formation of passive verbs, using them accurately in sentences, and ensuring clarity by avoiding misinterpretation. By recognizing the nuances of passive voice in Korean and incorporating them into your language skills, you will be better equipped to express yourself eloquently and effectively.
