Processing keyword: Verb られる (〜rareru)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb られる (〜rareru)

JLPT Grammar Point: Verb られる (〜rareru)

1. Introduction

In Japanese, the suffix られる (〜rareru) is used to form the potential and passive voice of verbs. It's important to understand how to use this structure effectively, as it enhances conversational ability in Japanese.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

Meaning:

• Potential form: Indicates that something is possible or that someone is able to do something.
• Passive voice: Indicates that the subject is acted upon by someone or something else. Structure:
  The usage of られる (〜rareru) can be broken down into two primary forms based on verb types:

1. Potential Form
   • For Godan (u) verbs: Change the final -u sound of the verb to -erareru.
     • Example: 書く (kaku - to write) → 書かれる (kakareru - can write)
   • For Ichidan (ru) verbs: Simply replace -ru with -rareru.
     • Example: 食べる (taberu - to eat) → 食べられる (taberareru - can eat)
2. Passive Voice
   • For Godan (u) verbs: Change the final -u sound of the verb to -areru.
     • Example: 読む (yoru - to read) → 読まれる (yomareru - is read)
   • For Ichidan (ru) verbs: Simply replace -ru with -rareru.
     • Example: 見る (miru - to see) → 見られる (mirareru - is seen)

Formation Diagram

| Verb Type | Base Form   | Potential Form | Passive Form |
|-----------|-------------|----------------|--------------|
| Godan     | 書く (kaku)| 書かれる (kakareru)| 読まれる (yomareru) |
| Ichidan   | 食べる (taberu)| 食べられる (taberareru)| 見られる (mirareru) |

3. Comparative Analysis

Potential vs. Passive

• Potential form (can do): Emphasizes ability.

  • Example: 私は日本語が話せる。
    (Watashi wa Nihongo ga hanaseru.)
    I can speak Japanese.

• Passive form (is done): Emphasizes the action being done to the subject.

  • Example: 本が読まれる。
    (Hon ga yomareru.)
    The book is read.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

• Potential Form
  1. 彼は泳げる。
     (Kare wa oyogeru.)
     He can swim.
  2. 私はこの歌が歌える。
     (Watashi wa kono uta ga utaeru.)
     I can sing this song.
• Passive Form
  1. この映画は多くの人に見られている。
     (Kono eiga wa ooku no hito ni mirarete iru.)
     This movie is being watched by many people.
  2. その仕事は彼に頼まれた。
     (Sono shigoto wa kare ni tanomareta.)
     That job was requested by him.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Understanding potential and passive forms is essential in various settings, especially in business or formal conversations where politeness and respect are implied. The passive voice often conveys humility in Japanese culture, positioning the speaker in a way that exhibits deference.

Idiomatic Expressions

• "可能性がある" (kanousei ga aru): "There is a possibility..."
• "されるがまま" (sareru ga mama): "To go along with being acted upon..."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Confusing the potential and passive forms.

   • E.g., Mixing potential "できる" (dekiru - can do) with passive "される" (sareru - is done).

2. Incorrectly conjugating Godan verbs; remember the -u to -areru change.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic: Remember "rareru" as "can" or "is ____ed," relating it directly to the context of ability or passivity.
• Practice converting sentences to both forms to reinforce understanding.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• られる (〜rareru) is used for both potential and passive forms in Japanese.
• Different endings apply depending on whether the verb is a Godan or Ichidan type.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the potential form of 切る (kiru - to cut)?
2. Convert 読む (yomu - to read) into the passive form.
3. Which is expressed: "The song can be sung" using られる? Answers:
4. 切れる (kireru)
5. 読まれる (yomareru)
6. Potential form (歌える - utaeru)