Translation guide
The English word 'passive' can refer to a grammatical voice, a personality trait, or a general state of inaction. This guide covers how to express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
Expressing that an action is done to the subject, rather than the subject doing the action.
The standard passive form. For ru-verbs, replace る with られる; for u-verbs, change the final -u to -aれる. Irregular verbs: する → される, くる → こられる.
私は先生に褒められた。
I was praised by the teacher.
この本は多くの人に読まれている。
This book is read by many people.
A colloquial contraction of the passive form, common in casual speech. For ru-verbs, replace る with れる; for u-verbs, change final -u to -eる. Not used for する or くる.
それ、よく食べれる？
Is that often eaten?
Often used to express that the subject is negatively affected by someone's action, even if the subject is not the direct object. This is a unique feature of Japanese.
雨に降られた。
I got rained on (and it was a nuisance).
隣の人にタバコを吸われた。
The person next to me smoked (and it bothered me).
Describing a person who does not take initiative or is submissive.
Literally 'receiving body', this is the most direct equivalent for a passive personality. It can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
彼は受け身な性格だ。
He has a passive personality.
受け身の態度では何も変わらない。
Nothing will change with a passive attitude.
Means 'negative' or 'passive' in the sense of lacking enthusiasm or being reluctant to act. Often used in contrast to 積極的 (active/positive).
Literally 'easily swept away', meaning a person who easily goes along with others or circumstances without asserting themselves.
彼女は流されやすいから、注意が必要だ。
She is easily influenced, so you need to be careful.
Describing a situation or behavior where no active effort is made.
Means 'passive' as opposed to active, often used in formal or technical contexts.
受動的な学習ではなく、能動的な学習が大切だ。
Active learning is important, not passive learning.
Literally 'do nothing', a straightforward way to describe passive inaction.
彼はただ何もしないで見ているだけだった。
He was just passively watching without doing anything.
Means 'to let things take their course', implying a passive acceptance of events.
彼は成り行きに任せるタイプだ。
He is the type to just go with the flow.
The passive form (られる) can look identical to the potential form for ru-verbs. Context usually makes it clear. For u-verbs, the forms differ: passive is -aれる, potential is -eる. In casual speech, the short passive (-れる) can also be confused with potential, so pay attention to particles and context.
食べられる (passive) vs 食べられる (potential)
is eaten vs can eat
受け身 is the most common for personality and everyday use. 消極的 emphasizes a lack of proactiveness or negativity. 受動的 is more formal and often used in technical descriptions (e.g., passive smoking, passive learning).
彼は消極的で、自分から話しかけない。
He is passive and doesn't start conversations himself.