Understanding Passive Voice in Chinese
The concept of passive voice in English is one that many are familiar with. It is used to emphasize the action being performed rather than the subject performing the action. However, when it comes to Mandarin Chinese, the use of passive voice is a bit different and requires careful consideration. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the passive voice in Chinese, its structure, and how it is used in various contexts.
What is Passive Voice?
In English, the passive voice is often formed using a form of the verb “to be” combined with a past participle. For example, “The book was read by the student.” Here, the focus is on the action (the book being read) rather than the subject performing the action (the student).
In Chinese, passive voice also shifts the focus from the doer of the action to the action itself. However, the construction and usage of passive voice in Chinese are distinct from English and must be understood within the framework of Chinese grammar.
The Structure of Passive Voice in Chinese
The most common way to form the passive voice in Chinese is by using the character 被 (bèi). The basic structure is as follows:
Subject + 被 (bèi) + Agent + Verb + Other Elements
Here is an example:
书被学生读了。
Shū bèi xuéshēng dú le.
The book was read by the student.
In this sentence, 书 (shū, “book”) is the subject, 被 (bèi) indicates the passive voice, 学生 (xuéshēng, “student”) is the agent performing the action, and 读了 (dú le, “read”) is the verb.
Understanding the Role of 被 (bèi)
The character 被 (bèi) is crucial in forming the passive voice in Chinese. It is used to indicate that the subject is undergoing an action performed by an agent. However, 被 (bèi) is not the only way to form passive constructions. Other forms include 给 (gěi), 让 (ràng), and 叫 (jiào), though these are less common and have specific nuances.
给 (gěi) is often used in the sense of “to give” but can sometimes denote passive voice, especially in certain dialects or informal speech. For example:
这件事给他办了。
Zhè jiàn shì gěi tā bàn le.
This matter was handled by him.
让 (ràng) and 叫 (jiào) can also be used in a similar way, often implying causation or permission:
我让他做了。
Wǒ ràng tā zuò le.
I made him do it.
他叫我去。
Tā jiào wǒ qù.
He asked me to go.
When to Use Passive Voice in Chinese
While passive voice in English is often used to emphasize the action or when the doer is unknown or unimportant, passive voice in Chinese has more specific contexts in which it is appropriate. Here are some common scenarios:
1. Emphasizing the Action or Result
When the result or the action itself is more important than who performed it, passive voice can be used:
门被关上了。
Mén bèi guān shàng le.
The door has been closed.
In this sentence, the focus is on the door being closed rather than who closed it.
2. When the Agent is Unknown or Unimportant
If the person performing the action is either unknown or irrelevant, passive voice can be useful:
钱包被偷了。
Qiánbāo bèi tōu le.
The wallet was stolen.
Here, it is not necessary to know who stole the wallet; the emphasis is on the wallet being stolen.
3. Highlighting an Unpleasant Experience
Passive voice is often used to describe negative or unfortunate events, emphasizing the experience of the subject:
他被打了。
Tā bèi dǎ le.
He was beaten.
The use of 被 (bèi) here highlights the negative experience of the subject.
Avoiding Overuse of 被 (bèi)
Despite the utility of 被 (bèi) in forming passive constructions, it is important to avoid overusing it. In many cases, Chinese tends to favor active constructions or other ways to express the same idea without resorting to passive voice. Overusing 被 (bèi) can make sentences sound unnatural or overly formal.
Active Voice Alternatives
Instead of using passive voice, consider restructuring the sentence to use active voice:
Instead of: 书被学生读了。
Shū bèi xuéshēng dú le.
The book was read by the student.
You could say: 学生读了这本书。
Xuéshēng dú le zhè běn shū.
The student read this book.
Using Other Constructions
Chinese often uses other grammatical constructions to convey similar meanings without the need for 被 (bèi). For example, the use of 把 (bǎ) construction can sometimes provide a better alternative:
Instead of: 饭被吃完了。
Fàn bèi chī wán le.
The food was eaten up.
You could say: 他把饭吃完了。
Tā bǎ fàn chī wán le.
He ate up the food.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Understanding how to correctly use passive voice in Chinese involves avoiding some common mistakes:
1. Overusing 被 (bèi)
As mentioned earlier, overusing 被 (bèi) can make sentences sound awkward. It is important to balance the use of passive voice with other constructions to maintain naturalness.
2. Misplacing the Agent
In Chinese passive voice, the agent performing the action should come immediately after 被 (bèi). Placing it incorrectly can lead to confusion:
Incorrect: 书被读了学生。
Correct: 书被学生读了。
3. Using Passive Voice for Every Action
Not all actions necessitate passive voice. Evaluate whether passive voice is the most appropriate way to convey the meaning before using it. Often, active voice or other grammatical structures might be more suitable.
Practice and Examples
To gain proficiency in using passive voice in Chinese, practice with various sentences and contexts. Here are a few examples to help you get started:
Example 1:
The windows were broken by the children.
窗户被孩子们打破了。
Chuānghu bèi háizimen dǎpò le.
Example 2:
The letter was written by the manager.
信被经理写了。
Xìn bèi jīnglǐ xiě le.
Example 3:
The car was repaired by the mechanic.
车被修理工修好了。
Chē bèi xiūlǐ gōng xiū hǎo le.
Example 4:
The cake was eaten by the dog.
蛋糕被狗吃了。
Dàngāo bèi gǒu chī le.
Practice forming your own sentences using the structure Subject + 被 (bèi) + Agent + Verb + Other Elements. Additionally, try converting active voice sentences into passive voice and vice versa to strengthen your understanding.
Conclusion
Understanding and using passive voice in Chinese can greatly enhance your fluency and ability to convey nuanced meanings. While the structure and usage may differ from English, with practice and careful consideration, you can master this aspect of Chinese grammar. Remember to use 被 (bèi) appropriately, avoid overuse, and consider alternative constructions to maintain naturalness in your speech and writing. Happy learning!
