Mandarin Grammar Point
被 (bèi) - Passive marker

被 (bèi) - Passive marker

Short explanation:

Used to indicate passive voice in a sentence.

Formation:

Subject + 被 + Agent + Verb + Object

Examples:

这本书被我弟弟借走了。
Zhè běn shū bèi wǒ dìdì jiè zǒu le.
This book was borrowed by my younger brother.
我的手机被偷了。
Wǒ de shǒujī bèi tōu le.
My phone was stolen.
这个问题已经被老师解答了。
Zhège wèntí yǐjīng bèi lǎoshī jiědá le.
This question has already been answered by the teacher.
他的想法被大家认为是创新的。
Tā de xiǎngfǎ bèi dàjiā rènwéi shì chuàngxīn de.
His idea is considered innovative by everyone.

Long explanation:

The Mandarin Chinese particle '被 (bèi)' is used to form passive sentences. In a passive sentence, the object of an action becomes the subject of the sentence. The actual subject performing the action can be omitted if the context makes it clear. The particle '被' is used to mark the agent of the action when it is mentioned in the sentence.

Detailed Grammar notes:

%E8%A2%AB%20(b%C3%A8i)%20-%20Passive%20marker

被 (bèi) - Passive marker

Processing keyword: 被 (bèi) - Passive marker

Mandarin Grammar Point: 被 (bèi) - Passive marker

被 (bèi) - Passive Marker

1. Introduction

In Mandarin Chinese, 被 (bèi) is a passive marker that is used to indicate that the subject of a sentence is the recipient of an action rather than the doer. This grammar point helps emphasize the action received by the subject.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

  • Meaning: The character 被 (bèi) signals that the subject is acted upon, often replacing the active voice with a passive structure. It translates to "by" in English when indicating the doer of the action.

  • Structure: The structure of a sentence using 被 (bèi) typically follows this pattern:

    Subject + 被 + Agent + Verb + (Complement)
    
  • Formation Diagram:

    [Subject]  +  被  +  [Agent]  +  [Verb]  +  [Complement]
    

Visual Aids:

Element Description Example
Subject Person or thing acted upon 她 (tā - she)
被 (bèi) Passive marker
Agent Doer of the action 他们 (tāmen - they)
Verb Action taken 打 (dǎ - hit)
Complement Additional info about action 了 (le - completed)

3. Comparative Analysis

  • Active Voice vs. Passive Voice: In active voice, the focus is on the subject performing the action, whereas in passive voice, the focus shifts to the subject receiving the action.

    • Active: 她打了他们。 (She hit them.)
    • Passive: 她被他们打了。 (She was hit by them.)
  • Other Passive Constructions: Besides 被 (bèi), the structure 可以 (kěyǐ - can) can also indicate passivity but with a focus on permission or possibility.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples:

  1. Formal:
    • 这本书被老师批改了。
    • (This book was corrected by the teacher.)
  2. Informal:
    • 我的手机被我弟弟弄坏了。
    • (My phone was broken by my younger brother.)
  3. Written:
    • 这些问题被学生们提出来了。
    • (These questions were raised by the students.)
  4. Spoken:
    • 他被朋友们嘲笑了。
    • (He was laughed at by his friends.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Chinese culture, passivity can sometimes reflect humility or a non-confrontational attitude. Using the passive voice with 被 (bèi) can also be a way to downplay the responsibility of the doer, which might be important in sensitive contexts.

Levels of Politeness

Using 被 (bèi) can show respect for the subject, as it puts them in the position of receiving rather than performing.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 被动 (bèidòng) - "to be in a passive state" or "passive," indicating a lack of initiative.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Not identifying the agent: Beginners often forget to include or specify the agent.
  • Misplacing 被 (bèi): It should always come directly after the subject.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic: Remember “被” as "being acted upon" - both begin with "be."
  • Practice Rewriting: Take active sentences and convert them to passive using 被 (bèi) to reinforce understanding.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • 被 (bèi) is used to form passive sentences in Mandarin.
  • The structure places emphasis on the action received rather than performed.
  • Understanding and using 被 (bèi) can enhance fluency and expression in Mandarin.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What is the structure for a passive sentence using 被 (bèi)?
  2. Convert the sentence "He answers the question." into passive.
  3. Why might someone use the passive voice in conversation? Use this guide to understand and implement the passive marker 被 (bèi) in your Mandarin practice!
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