Processing keyword: ～れている (〜rete iru)

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

～れている (〜rete iru)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～れている (〜rete iru) in Japanese combines the passive form of a verb with the continuous aspect expressed by ている (te iru). This construction is used to indicate that an action is being done to the subject by someone else and is ongoing or has a current state resulting from a past action.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• Passive ongoing action: Indicates that the subject is currently undergoing an action performed by someone else.
• Resultant state: Describes a state that exists as a result of a past action.

Structure

Formation Diagram

Verb Passive Form + ている

How to Form the Passive

1. For Godan Verbs (う-verbs):
   • Replace the final -u with -areru.
   • Example: 話す (hanasu) → 話される (hanasareru).
2. For Ichidan Verbs (る-verbs):
   • Replace the final -ru with -rareru.
   • Example: 食べる (taberu) → 食べられる (taberareru).
3. Add ている (te iru) to the passive form:
   • 話される → 話されている
   • 食べられる → 食べられている

Visual Aid: Passive Form Conjugation

3. Comparative Analysis

～ている (te iru) vs. ～れている (rete iru)

• ～ている (te iru): Indicates an action the subject is doing actively.
  • Example: 彼は本を読んでいる。(He is reading a book.)
• ～れている (rete iru): Indicates an action being done to the subject.
  • Example: 本は彼によって読まれている。(The book is being read by him.)

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Passive Ongoing Action
   • ドアが開けられている。
     • The door is being opened.
   • この歌は多くの人に歌われている。
     • This song is being sung by many people.
2. Resultant State
   • 窓が割られている。
     • The window is broken. (As a result of being broken)
   • 彼の名前は皆に知られている。
     • His name is known by everyone.

Formal and Informal Contexts

• Formal:
  • 新しい制度が導入されているところです。
    • A new system is being introduced.
• Informal:
  • 犬が散歩されているよ。
    • The dog is being walked.

Written and Spoken Language

• Written:
  • その法律は現在、議会で議論されている。
    • The law is currently being debated in the parliament.
• Spoken:
  • この映画、たくさんの人に観られているらしいよ。
    • Seems like this movie is being watched by many people.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

Using passive forms can add a level of formality or politeness to statements, as it removes the direct agent, focusing on the action or the receiver of the action.

Common Idiomatic Expressions

• 知られているように - As is known
  • Used to reference common knowledge.
  • Example: 知られているように、日本は島国です。
    • As is known, Japan is an island nation.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing Passive with Active Voice
   • Mistake: 窓を割っている。 (I am breaking the window.)
   • Correct: 窓が割られている。 (The window is broken/is being broken.)
2. Incorrect Passive Formation
   • Mistake: 食べられている used with an inanimate subject.
     • Inanimate objects usually take passive forms without agents.

Tips

• Mnemonic for Passive Form: Remember that passive forms often involve adding -rareru or -areru.
• Identifying Passive Sentences: If the subject is receiving the action and no direct agent is mentioned, it's likely passive.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～れている (〜rete iru) combines passive voice with the continuous aspect.
• Used to express actions being done to the subject, either ongoing or resulting in a current state.
• Formation involves converting the verb to its passive form and adding ている.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form the passive continuous form of the verb 書く (kaku)?
   • Answer: 書かれている (kakarete iru)
2. Translate into English: この本は多くの国で読まれている。
   • Answer: This book is being read in many countries.
3. True or False: ～れている can be used to describe a state resulting from a past action.
   • Answer: True