Processing keyword: Verb られる (〜rareru)
Japanese Grammar Point: Verb られる (〜rareru)
1. Introduction
In this lesson, we'll explore the grammar point Verb られる (〜rareru), which is essential for constructing passive sentences in Japanese. Understanding how to use 〜られる will allow you to express actions that are done to the subject rather than by the subject, adding depth and nuance to your language skills.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
The suffix 〜られる is attached to verbs to form the passive voice in Japanese. It shifts the focus of the sentence from the doer of the action to the receiver of the action.
- Active Voice: The subject performs an action.
- Passive Voice: The subject receives an action.
Structure
Formation
The way you conjugate a verb into its passive form depends on its verb group. Japanese verbs are categorized into three groups:
- Ichidan Verbs (る-verbs)
- Godan Verbs (う-verbs)
- Irregular Verbs
Formation Diagram
Ichidan Verbs (る-verbs)
- Remove る from the dictionary form.
- Add られる.
Example:
Verb (Dictionary Form) Remove る Add られる Passive Form 食べる (たべる) 食べ 食べられる 食べられる
Godan Verbs (う-verbs)
- Change the final う sound to the corresponding あ sound.
- Add れる.
Correspondence Chart:
Ending Syllable (う) Change to (あ) う わ
| く | か | | す | さ | | つ | た | | ぬ | な | | ぶ | ば | | む | ま | | る | ら | | ぐ | が | Example:
| Verb (Dictionary Form) | Change Ending | Add れる | Passive Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| 読む (よむ) | 読ま | 読まれる | 読まれる |
| 書く (かく) | 書か | 書かれる | 書かれる |
| 話す (はなす) | 話さ | 話される | 話される |
Irregular Verbs
| Verb | Passive Form |
|---|---|
| する | される |
| 来る (くる) | 来られる |
3. Comparative Analysis
Passive vs. Potential Form
It's important to note that 〜られる can also indicate the potential form (ability or possibility) in Ichidan verbs, which can cause confusion.
- Passive (Ichidan verbs): 食べる → 食べられる (to be eaten)
- Potential (Ichidan verbs): 食べる → 食べられる (can eat) For Godan verbs, the potential form is different:
- Potential (Godan verbs): 読む → 読める (can read)
Distinguishing Passive and Potential
Context is crucial for understanding whether 〜られる denotes passive voice or potential form.
- Passive Context: りんごが虫に食べられた。
(The apple was eaten by bugs.) - Potential Context: この料理は食べられる。
(This dish can be eaten.)
4. Examples in Context
Formal Speech
- 車が盗まれました。
The car was stolen. - 京都で写真がたくさん撮られました。
Many photos were taken in Kyoto.
Informal Speech
- 犬に靴を噛まれた。
My shoes were chewed by the dog. - 妹にケーキを食べられちゃった。
My younger sister ate my cake (and I'm annoyed).
Written Language
- この小説は多くの人々に読まれている。
This novel is being read by many people. - 新しい法律が制定された。
A new law has been enacted.
Spoken Language
- 雨に降られて、びしょ濡れになった。
I was caught in the rain and got soaked. - 彼に秘密をばらされちゃった。
He revealed my secret.
5. Cultural Notes
Usage in Japanese Culture
In Japanese, passive constructions are often used to express inconvenience or undesirable events that happened to the speaker, sometimes called the suffering passive. Example:
- 雨に降られた。
I got rained on. This usage conveys that the speaker was negatively affected by the action.
Politeness and Formality
Passive forms can also soften statements, making them more polite or less direct. Example:
- その意見は検討されます。
That opinion will be considered.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Misforming Godan Passive Verbs
- Incorrect: 読む → 読みられる
- Correct: 読む → 読まれる
- Confusing Potential and Passive Forms
- 食べられる can mean "is eaten" or "can eat"
Tips
Mnemonic for Godan Verbs: Remember the "a" sound shift before adding れる.
- す → さ + れる (話す → 話される)
Context Clues: Determine meaning (passive vs. potential) based on sentence context and particles used.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- 〜られる is used to form the passive voice in Japanese.
- Verb conjugation into passive form depends on verb type (Ichidan, Godan, Irregular).
- Context determines whether 〜られる is passive or potential.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Conjugate the following verb into its passive form: 書く (かく) Answer: 書かれる
- Is the following sentence passive or potential?
このケーキは食べられる。 Answer: Potential (This cake can be eaten.) - Identify the error in the sentence: 友達にプレゼントをあげられた。 Answer: The verb あげる should not be in passive form here. It should be 友達にプレゼントをあげた。(I gave a present to my friend.)
Thank you for studying Verb られる (〜rareru)! Keep practicing to master the passive form and enhance your Japanese communication skills.