Mini-Dialogue: Passive & Causative
A practical review of passive, causative, and causative-passive forms through a workplace dialogue.
A Busy Day at the Office
In Japanese workplaces, expressing who made you do something or how you were affected by others' actions is essential. This dialogue shows a manager and a subordinate discussing a project delay.
さとうさん、きのうのしりょうはかんせいした？
佐藤さん、昨日の資料は完成した？
Sato-san, is yesterday's document finished?
すみません。ぶちょうにきゅうなしごとをたのまれて、ざんぎょうさせられました。
すみません。部長に急な仕事を頼まれて、残業させられました。
I'm sorry. I was asked by the manager to do urgent work, and I was made to work overtime.
そうか。それはたいへんだったね。
そうか。それは大変だったね。
I see. That must have been tough.
はい。けっきょく、しりょうづくりはあしたまでまたされてしまいました。
はい。結局、資料作りは明日まで待たされてしまいました。
Yes. In the end, I was made to wait until tomorrow to finish the document.
Reviewing the Forms
These forms change the 'voice' of the verb to show influence, permission, or obligation.
Tip
Key Patterns
Observe how these forms shift the subject of the sentence.
母に野菜を食べさせられた。
I was made to eat vegetables by my mother.
先生に質問をさせられた。
I was made to ask a question by the teacher.
部長に会議で発表【させられた】。
Hint: Causative-passive form of suru
I was made to present at the meeting by the manager.
Nuance and Register
These forms are highly sensitive to social hierarchy.
Causative vs. Causative-Passive
〜させる
To make/let someone do (neutral/commanding)
子供に勉強させる
〜させられる
To be forced to do (victimization)
無理やり勉強させられた
Which sentence sounds like you were forced to do something against your will?
- 友達に歌を歌わせた。
- ✓ 友達に歌を歌わされた。
The causative-passive (~wasareta) implies you were forced to do it, whereas the causative (~saseta) just means you made them do it.
Advanced Notes
Exceptions and complex usage.
Irregular Causative-Passive
Lesson Recap
You have reviewed the passive, causative, and causative-passive forms. Remember that these forms are primarily used to describe the flow of influence, obligation, or victimization between people.