Japanese Passive Form れる・られる | N4 Grammar
Learn Grammar: Passive Form (れる/られる) for N4 with simple rules, Japanese examples, romaji, English meanings, common mistakes, practice prompts, and a mini quiz.
The Passive form switches the focus from 'Who did it' to 'Who had it done to them'. This is often used for unfortunate events in Japanese.
Quick Meaning Box
Understand the core meaning first
Main Japanese
さかなは ねこに たべ ___ 。
Listen and repeat slowly
English Meaning
The fish was eaten by the cat.
Nepali Meaning
माछा बिरालोले खायो।
Romaji
Practice with kana
Level
JLPT N4
Complete lesson list
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| さかなは ねこに たべ ___ 。 | The fish was eaten by the cat. | ||
| せんせいに ほめ ___ 。 | I was praised by the teacher. | ||
| どろぼうに くるまを ぬすま ___ 。 | My car was stolen by a thief. | ||
| わたしは いぬに ___ 。 | I was bitten by a dog. | ||
| この えは ピカソに ___ 。 | This picture was painted by Picasso. | ||
| わたしは ははに にっきを ___ 。 | My diary was read by my mother. | ||
| アメリカで えいごが ___ 。 | English is spoken in America. |
How To Use It
Use Passive Form correctly
Simple Explanation
Use this pattern when you need to connect an idea clearly in a JLPT N4 sentence. Learn the pattern first, then read several examples until the order feels natural.
Sentence Structure
さかなは ねこに たべ [correct form / particle] 。
Start with this simple structure before making longer sentences.
When To Use
Use it in beginner reading, short answers, daily-life examples, and JLPT review questions where the topic appears naturally.
When Not To Use
Do not force it into every sentence. If another word, particle, or grammar pattern expresses the idea more naturally, choose that instead.
- Japanese learners grow faster when they notice how this topic appears in everyday routines, classroom language, and common study examples.
- Even simple grammar lessons become more memorable when students connect them to real situations instead of treating them like a word list only.
Open the full beginner explanation
Conjugation Rules
- Group 1 (U-Verbs): Change the final 'u' to 'a', then add れる (reru).
- Kaku -> Kaka -> Kakareru (To be written).
- Nomu -> Noma -> Nomareru (To be drunk).
- Group 2 (Ru-Verbs): Drop 'ru' and add られる (rareru).
- Taberu -> Taberareru (To be eaten).
- Group 3: Suru -> Sareru. Kuru -> Korareru.
The 'Suffering' Passive
In Japanese, you often use passive to complain that someone did something that affected you negatively.
- 'Ame ni furareta' (I was 'fallen on' by the rain = I got caught in the rain).
- 'Sensei ni shikarareta' (I was scolded by the teacher).
Formula / Pattern Box
Memorize the reusable pattern
Pattern 1
さかなは ねこに たべ [correct form / particle] 。
Pattern 2
Topic + particle + Passive Form
Pattern 3
Known word + Passive Form + new sentence
Pattern 4
Short sentence first, then add details slowly
Example Sentences
Read, repeat, and understand the usage
Example 1
犬に噛まれました。
Inu ni kamaremashita.
English
I was bitten by a dog.
Nepali
मलाई कुकुरले टोक्यो।
- Focus: 犬に噛まれました。
- Meaning: I was bitten by a dog.
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Example 2
あの絵はピカソに描かれました。
Ano e wa Pikaso ni kakaremashita.
English
That picture was painted by Picasso.
Nepali
त्यो चित्र पिकासोले बनाएको हो।
- Focus: あの絵はピカソに描かれました。
- Meaning: That picture was painted by Picasso.
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Common Mistakes
Avoid the beginner traps
Mistake 1
Wrong
Memorize only: "The fish was eaten by the cat."
Correct
Read さかなは ねこに たべ ___ 。, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Trying to memorize Grammar: Passive Form (れる/られる) only by translation instead of noticing how it appears in real Japanese patterns.
Mistake 2
Wrong
Memorize only: "The fish was eaten by the cat."
Correct
Read さかなは ねこに たべ ___ 。, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Reviewing the list once and assuming the lesson is finished without testing recall later.
Mistake 3
Wrong
Memorize only: "The fish was eaten by the cat."
Correct
Read さかなは ねこに たべ ___ 。, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Skipping speaking or writing practice, which makes the lesson harder to use actively.
Practice Section
Turn passive reading into active memory
Task 1
Fill in the blank
Complete the sentence: さかなは ねこに たべ ___ 。 means The fish was eaten by the cat..
Task 2
Multiple choice
Choose the best meaning for さかなは ねこに たべ ___ 。 before checking the lesson list.
Task 3
Sentence building
Make one short beginner sentence using さかなは ねこに たべ ___ 。. Keep it simple.
Task 4
Translation practice
Translate this idea into Japanese: The fish was eaten by the cat..
Extra practice prompts
- Write two original sentences that use Grammar: Passive Form (れる/られる) naturally.
- Review the lesson once without notes, then check what you missed.
- Explain the main meaning of this topic in simple English as if teaching another beginner.
Self-check before moving on
- Can I explain the main purpose of Grammar: Passive Form (れる/られる) without reading the notes?
- Can I use at least one example from this lesson in my own sentence?
- Can I come back tomorrow and still remember the key meaning or pattern?
Mini Quiz
Check your understanding
Q1. Choose the best answer for: さかなは ねこに たべ ___ 。
Q2. Choose the best answer for: せんせいに ほめ ___ 。
Q3. Choose the best answer for: どろぼうに くるまを ぬすま ___ 。
Q4. Choose the best answer for: わたしは いぬに ___ 。
Q5. Choose the best answer for: この えは ピカソに ___ 。
Q6. Choose the best answer for: わたしは ははに にっきを ___ 。
Q7. Choose the best answer for: アメリカで えいごが ___ 。
Q8. What does 犬に噛まれました。 mean?
Show answer key
- られました
- られました
- れました
- かまれた
- かかれた
- よまれた
- はなされている
- I was bitten by a dog.
Real Life Usage
Use the lesson outside flashcards
Conversation Example
A: さかなは ねこに たべ ___ 。？
B: はい、さかなは ねこに たべ ___ 。です。
practice reading - The fish was eaten by the cat.
Classroom Example
A teacher may ask you to read, choose, or explain さかなは ねこに たべ ___ 。 during a beginner review.
Daily Life Example
Use さかなは ねこに たべ ___ 。 when the meaning "The fish was eaten by the cat." appears in a simple real situation.
Use Grammar: Passive Form (れる/られる) in a short real-life scene
Imagine you are studying or interacting in a simple daily situation where JLPT N4 Japanese is enough. Your goal is to use this lesson clearly and naturally, not perfectly.
- Create one short scene that includes Grammar: Passive Form (れる/られる).
- Say or write two useful lines connected to the topic.
- Review what felt difficult and repeat the scene one more time with better accuracy.
FAQ
Common beginner questions
Why does the person who did the action take the 'Ni' particle?
In passive sentences, the subject is the victim/receiver. The 'Ni' particle marks the SOURCE of the action.
Summary Box
What to remember
Key Point
Passive Form becomes useful when you can recognize it, explain it simply, and use it in one short sentence.
Pattern
さかなは ねこに たべ [correct form / particle] 。
Next Action
Review with a practice tool3 must-remember examples
- 犬に噛まれました。 - I was bitten by a dog.
- あの絵はピカソに描かれました。 - That picture was painted by Picasso.