Translation guide
The English passive "be ...-ed" has no single direct equivalent in Japanese. Learners must choose between several passive-like constructions depending on context, politeness, and whether the subject is animate or inanimate. This guide covers the most common patterns.
Express that an action is performed on the subject by an agent. The subject is typically animate and affected.
The standard passive form. Attach られる to the verb stem (godan verbs use あ-stem + れる; ichidan verbs use stem + られる). The agent is marked with に. This pattern often implies the subject is adversely affected or inconvenienced, but can also be neutral.
私は先生に褒められた。
I was praised by the teacher.
My younger brother was hit by a friend.
Used for intentional states resulting from an action, often with inanimate subjects. Implies someone did the action on purpose and the result remains. The agent is usually omitted.
窓が開けてある。
The window has been left open (by someone).
壁にポスターが貼ってある。
A poster has been put up on the wall.
When combined with a passive verb, ている describes a state resulting from a passive action. Often used for inanimate subjects.
この本は多くの人に読まれている。
This book is being read by many people.
その言葉はよく使われている。
That word is often used.
Express that the subject is negatively affected or inconvenienced by someone else's action. The subject is often not the direct object of the verb.
The same passive form, but used when the subject suffers from the action. The subject may be an indirect participant. Often translated as 'had something done to me' or 'was affected by...'.
雨に降られた。
I got rained on (and it was unpleasant).
隣の人にタバコを吸われた。
The person next to me smoked (and it bothered me).
Use the passive form to show respect toward the person performing the action. The subject is the respected person.
The passive form can be used as a light honorific, especially in formal speech. It is less direct than special honorific verbs but still polite.
社長はもう帰られました。
The company president has already gone home (polite).
先生は何時に来られますか。
What time will the teacher come? (polite)
Express that something happens naturally or spontaneously, often with verbs of thinking or feeling. The agent is not specified.
Used with verbs like 思う (to think), 感じる (to feel), 思い出す (to remember) to indicate a spontaneous thought or feeling. The subject is often the speaker.
この写真を見ると、昔のことが思い出される。
When I see this photo, I am reminded of the old days.
彼の将来が案じられる。
I can't help worrying about his future.
In colloquial Japanese, the passive form is sometimes used to express potential (ability), especially with ichidan verbs and 来る.
Historically, the passive and potential forms were distinct, but in modern Japanese they have merged for ichidan verbs and 来る. Context distinguishes meaning. Often replaced by the shorter れる form in casual speech (ら抜き言葉).
For godan verbs, the potential form is different (e.g., 書く → 書ける). Do not use passive for potential with godan verbs.
私は刺身が食べられます。
I can eat sashimi.
明日は来られますか。
Can you come tomorrow?
English often uses passive with inanimate subjects (e.g., 'The door was opened'). In Japanese, this is less common. Use intransitive verbs or てある instead.
When you receive a beneficial action from someone, てもらう is often more natural than passive. Passive can imply you were negatively affected.
友達に助けてもらった。
I was helped by a friend (and I'm grateful).
友達に助けられた。
I was helped by a friend (neutral or possibly I was a burden).