～（ら）れる (Passive Form)
Meaning
Expresses that something is done to the subject — the subject is acted upon.
Often translates as “to be verb-ed” or "got verb-ed".
In the passive, the subject receives the action.
How to Form
| Verb Type | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ichidan (る) | あ-stem (Remove る) + られる | 食べる → 食べられる → be eaten |
| Godan (う) | あ-stem + れる (verb ending in う →われる) |
飲む → 飲まれる → be drunk 買う → 買われる |
| Irregular | する → される 来る → 来(こ)られる |
勉強する → 勉強される 来る → 来られる |
Looks similar to the potential form, but the meaning and context are different.
Examples
-
母に叱られた。
I was scolded by my mom. -
先生に質問された。
I was asked a question by the teacher. -
雨に降られた。
I got caught in the rain. (unintended/annoying passive) -
友達に笑われた。
I was laughed at by my friend.
Notes
- Often used when the subject is affected by someone/something else.
- Can express unpleasant or unwanted experiences (受け身 - "suffering passive").
- Use に to mark the agent (the person doing the action):
e.g., 先生に言われた
- Common in formal writing and news, or when the actor is unknown/irrelevant.
話される, 書かれる, 作られる, 叱(しか)られる