Processing keyword: Verb させられる (Verb-saserareru)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb させられる (Verb-saserareru)

Grammar Point: Verb させられる (Verb-saserareru)

1. Introduction

In Japanese, the construction させられる (saserareru) is used to express the passive and causative form of a verb. This grammar point indicates that someone is made to do something or is compelled to do something.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The structure of させられる combines two elements:

1. Causative form: This indicates that someone causes another person to do something.
2. Passive form: This indicates that the subject of the sentence experiences an action done to them.

Meaning, Structure, Formation Diagram

• Structure:
  • Base Verb + せる (seru, causative form) + れる (reru, passive form)

Formation

1. Take the verb in its dictionary form.
2. Convert it to the causative form by adding せる (seru) or the appropriate causative suffix:
   • For example:
     • 食べる (taberu) → 食べさせる (tabesaseru) [to make someone eat]
     • 行く (iku) → 行かせる (ikaseru) [to make someone go]
3. Finally, add れる (reru) to form the passive:
   • 食べさせられる (tabesaserareru) [to be made to eat]
   • 行かせられる (ikasaserareru) [to be made to go]

Visual Aid

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points:

• Verb せる (seru): This form only indicates causation (making someone do something) without the passive nuance.
  • Example: 彼に行かせる (kare ni ikaseru) - "I let him go."
• Verb れる (reru): This form indicates passive voice only (something is done to the subject).
  • Example: 彼は食べられた (kare wa taberareta) - "He was eaten."

Highlighted Differences:

• させられる (saserareru) combines both the passive and causative elements, indicating the subject's lack of agency.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal/Polite Context:
   • 先生に宿題をさせられました。
     • Sensei ni shukudai o saseraremashita.
     • "I was made to do homework by the teacher."
2. Informal Context:
   • 母に掃除をさせられた。
     • Haha ni souji o saserareta.
     • "I was made to clean by my mother."
3. Written Context:
   • 子どもたちはお手伝いをさせられることが多い。
     • Kodomotachi wa otetsudai o saserareru koto ga ooi.
     • "Children are often made to help out."
4. Spoken Context:
   • 仕事で残業をさせられたよ。
     • Shigoto de zangyou o saserareta yo.
     • "I was made to work overtime at my job."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In a collectivistic culture like Japan, a strong sense of obligation exists. Therefore, using the causative-passive form reflects the respect for authority and responsibility.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

Understanding the context and audience is crucial. Using させられる in a respectful context shows awareness of social hierarchy, especially when referring to teachers or elders.

Idiomatic Expressions

• させられることが多い (saserareru koto ga ooi): "It often happens that I am made to do something."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Confusing させられる with just せる or れる can lead to misunderstandings. Ensure that both causative and passive meanings are intended.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of させる (to make someone do)merged with れる (to be done to) as a "forcing someone to do something they don't want to."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The grammar point させられる combines causative and passive forms to indicate being made to do something.
• It expresses complex social dynamics and relationships.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form the causative-passive of 行く (iku)?
   • (Answer: 行かせられる/ikasaserareru)
2. What does させられる indicate?
   • (Answer: Being made to do something)
3. Provide a formal example using させられる.
   • (Possible Answer: 先生にテストをさせられた - "I was made to take a test by the teacher.")