Understanding the Passive Form in Japanese

The passive form in Japanese, known as ukemi-kei (受け身形), is used to indicate that the subject is the recipient of an action rather than the doer. Unlike English, where passive voice is formed with “to be” + past participle, Japanese uses specific verb conjugations to express this meaning. The passive form is an important grammatical structure as it allows speakers to shift focus from the actor to the receiver of an action, often used in formal contexts, storytelling, and when the subject’s identity is unknown or irrelevant.

Why Learn Passive Form Japanese?

• Expressing Politeness and Formality: Passive constructions can soften statements and sound more indirect, which is valued in Japanese communication.
• Narrative and Descriptive Use: Passive form is frequently used in written Japanese, especially in news reports and literature.
• Understanding Natural Japanese: Native speakers often use passive sentences, so comprehension hinges on knowing this form.
• Expanding Sentence Variety: Using passive voice diversifies your expression and helps avoid repetitive sentence patterns.

How to Form the Passive Form in Japanese

Forming the passive form in Japanese depends on the verb group. Japanese verbs are categorized into three groups: Group 1 (Godan verbs), Group 2 (Ichidan verbs), and irregular verbs. Each group has its own pattern for passive conjugation.

Passive Form Conjugation Rules

1. Group 1 Verbs (Godan Verbs)

For Godan verbs, the passive form is created by changing the final -u sound to the corresponding -a sound and adding れる.

• Example: 書く (kaku) – to write
• Step 1: Change く (ku) to か (ka)
• Step 2: Add れる
• Result: 書かれる (kakareru) – to be written

Other examples:

• 話す (hanasu) → 話される (hanasareru) – to be spoken
• 飲む (nomu) → 飲まれる (nomareru) – to be drunk
• 待つ (matsu) → 待たれる (matareru) – to be waited for

2. Group 2 Verbs (Ichidan Verbs)

For Ichidan verbs, remove the final る and add られる.

• Example: 食べる (taberu) – to eat
• Step 1: Remove る
• Step 2: Add られる
• Result: 食べられる (taberareru) – to be eaten

3. Irregular Verbs

• する (suru) → される (sareru) – to be done
• 来る (kuru) → 来られる (korareru) – to be come

Common Usage of Passive Form Japanese

The passive form is versatile and appears in various contexts. Below are the primary uses of the passive voice in Japanese.

1. Expressing That the Subject is Affected by an Action

This is the most straightforward use, where the subject undergoes an action performed by someone else.

• Example: 私は先生に褒められた。
  (Watashi wa sensei ni homerareta.)
  “I was praised by the teacher.”

2. Expressing Unpleasant Experiences (Suffering Passive)

Also known as the suffering passive, it expresses that something negative happened to the subject, often beyond their control.

• Example: 子供にケーキを食べられた。
  (Kodomo ni kēki o taberareta.)
  “My cake was eaten by the child” (implying displeasure or inconvenience).

3. Indirect or Polite Expressions

The passive form can soften statements, making requests or criticisms less direct and more polite.

• Example: もう少し待たれませんか？
  (Mō sukoshi mataremasen ka?)
  “Could you please wait a little longer?”

Nuances and Important Notes on Passive Form Japanese

Distinguishing Between Passive and Potential Forms

One common point of confusion for learners is distinguishing passive form from the potential form (ability to do something), especially since Ichidan verbs share similar endings like られる.

• Passive: 食べられる (taberareru) – to be eaten
• Potential: 食べられる (taberareru) – can eat

Context is crucial to understanding whether the verb is passive or potential. For example, in the sentence 寿司が食べられる, it could mean “Sushi can be eaten” (potential) or “Sushi is eaten” (passive), depending on the situation.

Passive Form in Casual and Formal Speech

The passive form can be used in both casual and formal contexts, but the level of politeness can be adjusted by using polite verb endings or combining with honorific expressions.

• Casual: 先生に怒られた。 (“I was scolded by the teacher.”)
• Polite: 先生に怒られました。

Passive Form with Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

The passive voice is typically used with transitive verbs where an object is acted upon. Using passive with intransitive verbs is generally not grammatically correct.

Example:

• Transitive: 彼に本を読まれた。 (“The book was read by him.”)
• Intransitive (incorrect): 彼に行かれた。 (Incorrect passive of 行く – to go)

Tips to Master Passive Form Japanese

1. Practice with Real-Life Conversations on Talkpal

Engaging with native speakers through Talkpal allows learners to hear and use the passive form in natural contexts, improving both comprehension and speaking skills.

2. Memorize Conjugation Patterns and Exceptions

• Create flashcards for passive forms of common verbs.
• Practice conjugation drills regularly to build automaticity.

3. Read and Listen to Japanese Content

• Expose yourself to news articles, novels, and podcasts that utilize passive form Japanese.
• Note down sentences containing passive forms and analyze their usage.

4. Differentiate Passive from Potential Forms Through Context

Pay close attention to sentence context to understand whether られる verbs indicate passive or potential meaning.

5. Use Grammar Exercises and Quizzes

Apply your knowledge through targeted grammar exercises focusing on passive form Japanese to reinforce learning.

Conclusion

Understanding and mastering the passive form in Japanese is a crucial milestone for language learners. It enables expressing actions where the subject is affected by others, offers nuanced expression of experiences, and enriches communication styles. By learning the conjugation rules, common usages, and practicing regularly—especially with platforms like Talkpal—you can gain confidence in using passive form Japanese accurately and naturally. Embrace the challenge, and watch your Japanese proficiency deepen as you integrate the passive form into your everyday language skills.