Processing keyword: ～られた (〜rareta)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～られた (〜rareta)

Grammar Point: ～られた (〜rareta)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～られた (〜rareta) is the past passive form of a verb in Japanese. It is used to indicate that the subject has experienced an action done by someone else, often with a connotation of being affected by or receiving that action.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The structure of the passive form involves changing the verb's ending, typically in the following way:

1. For Godan (u-verbs):
   • Change the final -u to -areru.
2. For Ichidan (ru-verbs):
   • Change the final -ru to -rareru.
3. In past tense (completed action):
   • Add た (ta) to the passive form.

Meaning, Structure, and Formation Diagram

• Structure:

  1. [Verb (passive form) + られた (rareta)]

• Example Formation:

  • 食べる (taberu - to eat) → 食べられる (taberareru - to be eaten) → 食べられた (taberareta - was eaten)
  • 書く (kaku - to write) → 書かれる (kakareru - to be written) → 書かれた (kakareta - was written)

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with other Passive Forms

• Passive vs. Causative-Passive:
  • Passive (られる): Indicates being acted upon (e.g., 食べられた - was eaten).
  • Causative-Passive (させられる): Indicates being forced to do something (e.g., 食べさせられた - was made to eat).

Similar Grammar Points

• 受動体 (Judōtai - passive voice) simply focuses on the action done to the subject.
• 使役 (Shieki - causative form) expresses allowing or making someone do something (e.g., 食べさせる - to make eat).

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples:

• Formal:
  この問題は簡単でしたが、解けられた問題ではありませんでした。
  (Kono mondai wa kantan deshita ga, tokerareta mondai de wa arimasen deshita.)
  "This problem was easy, but it was not one that could be solved."
• Informal:
  彼にいつも怒られる。
  (Kare ni itsumo okoraru.)
  "I am always scolded by him."
• Spoken:
  昨日、友達にお菓子を食べられた！
  (Kinō, tomodachi ni okashi o taberareta!)
  "Yesterday, I was made to eat sweets by my friend!"

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, expressing passive actions can carry nuances of politeness and humility. Often, using passive forms signals a lack of control over situations and may express a social hierarchy or respect towards the subject performing the action.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 問題が起こられた (Mondai ga okorareta): "An issue arose" – expressing an unforeseen situation.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Learners may confuse the passive form with the causative form. Remember:
  • Passive = 被られる (kaburareru - to be affected).
  • Causative = させる (saseru - to make someone do something).

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of the "receiver" of an action being "assigned" or "designated" through the particle "られた" to remember it conveys a passive meaning.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Main Function: Indicates the subject has been acted upon in the past (被られた).
• Structure: [Verb (passive form) + られた]
• Nuanced Meaning: Reflects a reaction to an action by someone else.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form the past passive of a Godan verb?
2. What is the difference between the passive form and the causative form?
3. Provide an example sentence using ～られた in a context of receiving an action. By mastering this grammar point, learners can better express the nuances of actions and relationships in Japanese.