Passive & Causative Lesson 4
Mastering the Causative-Passive form (使役受身) to express being forced or coerced into doing something against your will.
Feeling Coerced
Have you ever been in a situation where you had to do something you really didn't want to do, simply because someone else made you? Perhaps your boss made you work overtime, or your parents made you study piano as a child.
The Causative-Passive Structure
The causative-passive form is used when the speaker is the target of someone else's command or pressure. It implies reluctance or annoyance.
Tip
Seeing it in Action
Here are examples of the causative-passive form in common scenarios.
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 department manager.
先生に長い作文を【書かされた】。
Hint: Causative-passive of 書く (to write)
I was made to write a long essay by the teacher.
Nuance and Usage
The causative-passive is almost exclusively used to describe negative, involuntary experiences. Do not use it for positive things you were 'allowed' to do.
Causative vs Causative-Passive
残業させる
To make someone work overtime (active)
上司が部下を残業させる
残業させられる
To be made to work overtime (passive)
私は上司に残業させられた
Which sentence correctly expresses being forced to do something?
- ✓ 友達に映画を見させられた。
- 友達に映画を見させた。
The first option uses the causative-passive (見させられた), indicating you were forced. The second is just causative (made someone else watch).
Advanced Notes
A few edge cases regarding the causative-passive form.
Lesson Summary
The causative-passive form (使役受身) is essential for expressing that you were forced into an action by someone else. Remember to use the particle 'に' to mark the person who forced you.