Processing keyword: ～れている (〜rete iru)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～れている (〜rete iru)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～れている (〜rete iru)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～れている (〜rete iru) is used to express the passive voice or the state of being affected by an action in Japanese. It is often used to describe a situation where someone or something is undergoing an action or being influenced by it.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The passive form in Japanese is formed by adding the auxiliary verb いる (iru) to the 〜れ form (the passive form of a verb).

Meaning, Structure, Formation Diagram

• Meaning: "to be acted upon" or "to be in a state due to an action"
• Structure: [Verb (in passive form)] + ている (te iru)

Formation Diagram

• Active Sentence:

  • 友達が本を読む。 (Tomodachi ga hon o yomu.)
  • "My friend reads a book."

• Passive Sentence:

  • 本が友達に読まれている。 (Hon ga tomodachi ni yomarete iru.)
  • "The book is being read by my friend."

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

• Passive vs. Causative: The passive form focuses on the subject being acted upon (e.g., 本が読まれている - "The book is being read"). In contrast, the causative describes causing someone to do something (e.g., 友達に本を読ませる - "I let my friend read the book").

• Passive vs. Regular Present Progressive: The structure ている (te iru) can also refer to ongoing actions (e.g., 本を読んでいる - "I am reading a book"). However, the passive form specifically conveys that the subject is the recipient of the action rather than the one performing it.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • このプログラムは多くの人に利用されています。
   • (Kono puroguramu wa ooku no hito ni riyou sarete imasu.)
   • "This program is being utilized by many people."
2. Informal:
   • あの映画はみんなに見られているよ。
   • (Ano eiga wa minna ni mirarete iru yo.)
   • "That movie is being watched by everyone, you know."
3. Written:
   • この問題は日本中で議論されています。
   • (Kono mondai wa Nihonjuu de giron sareteimasu.)
   • "This issue is being debated throughout Japan."
4. Spoken:
   • あのマンガ、すごく読まれているね。
   • (Ano manga, sugoku yomarete iru ne.)
   • "That manga is being read a lot, isn’t it?"

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, the passive voice can often create a sense of humility or avoidance of responsibility. When someone uses the passive voice, they might be expressing that the situation is beyond their control or that they want to downplay their involvement.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 悪口を言われる (Warukuchi wo iwareru) - "to be spoken ill of."
2. 助けられる (Tasukeraru) - "to be helped."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Confusing the passive form with the regular action form (e.g., using 読んでいる (yonde iru) instead of 読まれている (yomarete iru)).
• Tip: Remember that the passive emphasizes that something is being done to the subject, while the regular form indicates that the subject is doing something.

Learning Strategies

• Use mnemonic devices: Associate the "れ" in "れている" with "受け身" (ukemi, "passive") to remember the nature of the construction.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The structure ～れている is used for passive expressions.
• It indicates that the subject is being affected by an action.
• The typical structure is [Passively conjugated verb] + ている.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the meaning of ～れている?
2. Provide an example sentence using ～れている.
3. Compare the passive form with the causative form. These points will help you understand and utilize the grammar point ～れている effectively in your Japanese studies!