Passive & Causative Lesson 3
Mastering the causative-passive form (使役受身), used to express being forced or coerced into doing something against your will.
Being Forced to Do Something
Have you ever been in a situation where you had to do something you really didn't want to do, simply because someone else told you to? Maybe your boss made you work overtime, or your teacher forced you to clean the classroom.
The Causative-Passive Structure
The causative-passive form is used when the speaker is forced to perform an action by someone else. It implies reluctance or annoyance.
Tip
Examples of Causative-Passive
Observe how the subject is the one performing the action, but they are doing it against their will.
私は母に野菜を食べさせられた。
I was made to eat vegetables by my mother.
部長に無理やり残業させられた。
I was forced to work overtime by the manager.
先生に長い作文を【書かされた】。
Hint: The causative-passive of 書く (kaku)
I was made to write a long essay by the teacher.
Nuance and Usage
The causative-passive is inherently negative. It highlights the speaker's lack of agency.
Causative vs. Causative-Passive
食べさせる
To make someone eat (neutral/causative)
母は子供に野菜を食べさせる。
食べさせられる
To be made to eat (reluctant/passive)
私は母に野菜を食べさせられた。
Which nuance does the causative-passive form carry?
- Politeness and respect
- Voluntary action
- ✓ Reluctance or being forced
- A suggestion to do something
The causative-passive is used specifically to express that the subject was forced or coerced into an action.
Advanced Notes: Contractions
In spoken Japanese, the causative-passive is often long and difficult to say. You will frequently hear shortened versions.
Lesson Summary
The causative-passive form (使役受身) is essential for expressing situations where you have no choice but to perform an action. Remember that the subject is the victim of the action, and the person forcing the action is marked with the particle 'ni'.