Explain when to use passive, causative, and potential forms
To explain when to use passive, causative, and potential forms in Japanese grammar, the key points are as follows:
Passive Form
Use the passive form when the focus is on the subject receiving an action rather than doing it. It places emphasis on the person or thing affected by the action. It is often used to express that something happened to the subject, sometimes against their will or with a nuance of inconvenience or emotion. The passive is commonly constructed by adding the suffix ～られる to verbs, and it is useful when the doer is unknown, unimportant, or when emphasizing the experience of the action by the receiver. For example, “I was stung by a bee” is naturally expressed in Japanese passive form (e.g., 蜂に刺された). 1, 3, 5, 7
Causative Form
The causative form indicates that the subject causes someone else to do something, either by making, letting, or allowing them to perform an action. It shifts the focus to the subject who induces or forces the action to happen. The causative form is often recognized by the suffix ～させる. For example, “I made him do something” or “I let him do something.” It is used to express situations where one person causes another to act. 6, 8, 12, 14, 15
Potential Form
The potential form expresses the ability or possibility to perform an action. It indicates that the subject can do something. This form is usually created by changing the verb ending to a form that shows capability. For example, “I can run 10 miles” uses the potential form of the verb for “run.” The potential form is different from passive and causative; it purely shows ability. 10
Summary Table for Usage
| Form | Purpose | Example Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Passive | Express receiving an action or being affected by it | ”I was stung by a bee” (something happened to me) |
| Causative | Express causing or allowing someone else to do something | ”I made him do his homework” |
| Potential | Express ability to do something | ”I can run 10 miles” |
These forms help convey subtle nuances about who is doing the action, who is affected, and whether the subject has the ability or causes the action. 14, 15, 1, 6, 10