Introduction

The grammar pattern passive basic is a very important JLPT N4 grammar point. It is used to express actions done to someone or something. This grammar appears often in JLPT N4 reading, listening, and grammar questions. Learners must understand how to form passive form verbs and how the meaning changes compared to active sentences.

This article explains passive basic clearly in simple English for Japanese learners. All Japanese examples are written only in hiragana and katakana, with no kanji. All section titles are written in bold black format to help students learn easily.

Grammar Structure Explained

verb → passive form

Group 1 verbs change the final sound to a + reru. Group 2 verbs change ru to rareru. Suru becomes sareru. Kuru becomes korareru.

Meaning in English

Passive form means "to be done" or "to be affected by an action". The focus is on the receiver of the action, not the doer.

When to Use This Grammar

You use passive basic in the following situations. When something happens to someone. When the speaker is affected by an action. When the doer is unknown or unimportant. When explaining experiences politely.

Examples

watashi wa sensei ni homerareta。 i was praised by the teacher.
tomodachi ni shashin o torareta。 i had my photo taken by a friend.
inu ni kamareta。 i was bitten by a dog.
kaisha de shigoto o fuyasareta。 my work was increased at the company.
haha ni okorareta。 i was scolded by my mother.

Important Grammar Notes

In passive form, the particle ni often shows who did the action. Passive sentences are often used to show inconvenience or negative feelings in Japanese.

Common Mistakes by Learners

Confusing passive form with potential form. Using the wrong verb group change. Forgetting to mark the doer with ni.

JLPT N4 Exam Point

In JLPT N4, passive basic appears in grammar questions, sentence ordering, listening conversations, and short reading passages. Learners must recognize verb changes and understand who receives the action.

Short Practice

Make sentences using passive form. Example: kaku → kakareru

Practice verbs. yomu taberu homeru shikareru

Summary

Passive basic is a core JLPT N4 grammar pattern used to express actions done to someone. It focuses on the receiver of the action. This grammar appears frequently in JLPT N4 exams. Mastering passive basic will improve your understanding of Japanese sentence structure and meaning.

JLPT N4 Grammar Passive Basic Explained | Understanding Passive Sentences in Japanese