Translation guide
The concept of passivity in Japanese is often expressed through specific grammatical constructions, vocabulary, and cultural communication strategies. It can refer to a lack of active resistance, a tendency to accept things as they are, or a grammatical passive voice. This guide covers the most useful ways to express passivity for English-speaking learners.
Expressing that an action is done to the subject, often without specifying the agent, or to convey a sense of being affected by an event.
The standard passive form. For ru-verbs, replace る with られる; for u-verbs, change the last kana to the あ-row and add れる. This pattern is used to describe actions done to the subject, often with a nuance of being inconvenienced or affected (suffering passive).
私は先生に褒められた。
I was praised by the teacher.
I got rained on (and it was a nuisance).
For suru-verbs, the passive is formed by replacing する with される. This is very common in formal and written contexts.
その問題は議論された。
That issue was discussed.
Causative-passive form, expressing that someone is made to do something, often with a nuance of reluctance or passivity. Formed by adding させられる to the stem of u-verbs, or させられる to ru-verbs (with some irregulars).
私は母に野菜を食べさせられた。
I was made to eat vegetables by my mother.
Describing a person's tendency to accept situations without actively opposing or changing them.
Literally 'receiving body', this noun/adjective describes a passive attitude or posture. It is commonly used to criticize someone for not taking initiative.
彼は受け身な態度だ。
He has a passive attitude.
受け身でいるだけでは何も変わらない。
Nothing will change if you just remain passive.
Means 'passive' or 'negative' in the sense of lacking assertiveness or enthusiasm. Often used in contrast with 積極的 (active/positive).
Literally 'to be swept away', this verb is used metaphorically to describe someone who goes along with the crowd or circumstances without asserting their own will.
Expressing a cultural value of enduring hardship or accepting things as they are without complaint, often seen as a form of passivity.
Patience, endurance, self-restraint. It implies passively tolerating a difficult situation without protest.
彼は痛みを我慢した。
He endured the pain.
A common phrase meaning 'it can't be helped' or 'there's no choice'. It reflects a passive acceptance of circumstances beyond one's control.
Resignation, giving up. It conveys a passive acceptance of a situation after realizing one cannot change it.
The English noun 'passivity' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. It is usually better to use an adjective like 受け身 or 消極的, or a verb phrase like 流される, depending on the context.
受け身 emphasizes a reactive stance, like waiting for others to act. 消極的 implies a lack of positive engagement or enthusiasm. 受け身 is more about posture, while 消極的 is about attitude.
彼の会議での受け身な態度にはイライラした。
His passivity in the meeting was frustrating.
彼女は批判に対して驚くほど消極的だった。
She showed a surprising passivity in the face of criticism.
彼は消極的な性格だ。
He has a passive personality.
彼はいつも周りに流されている。
He always goes along with those around him.
雨で中止になったが、仕方がない。
It was canceled due to rain, but it can't be helped.
There was a look of resignation on his face.