Learning Japanese can be both an exhilarating and challenging experience, especially when it comes to understanding the nuances of verbs. One of the key aspects of mastering Japanese is grasping the difference between the active and passive forms of verbs. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of the verbs 作る (tsukuru) and 作られる (tsukurareru), which mean “to make” and “to be made” respectively.
To begin with, let’s focus on the verb 作る. This verb is an active verb, meaning that the subject of the sentence is performing the action. In English, 作る translates to “to make” or “to create.” It is a common verb that you will encounter frequently in both written and spoken Japanese. Here are a few examples of how 作る is used in sentences:
1. 私はケーキを作る。
Watashi wa keeki o tsukuru.
I make a cake.
2. 彼は映画を作る。
Kare wa eiga o tsukuru.
He makes a movie.
3. 彼女は料理を作る。
Kanojo wa ryouri o tsukuru.
She makes a meal.
In these examples, the subject (私, 彼, 彼女) is actively performing the action of making something. The verb 作る is in its dictionary form, which is the form you would use when stating a fact or in casual conversation.
Now, let’s move on to the passive form of the verb, 作られる. The passive form is used when the subject of the sentence is receiving the action rather than performing it. In English, 作られる translates to “to be made” or “to be created.” Here are a few examples of how 作られる is used in sentences:
1. ケーキは私によって作られる。
Keeki wa watashi ni yotte tsukurareru.
The cake is made by me.
2. 映画は彼によって作られる。
Eiga wa kare ni yotte tsukurareru.
The movie is made by him.
3. 料理は彼女によって作られる。
Ryouri wa kanojo ni yotte tsukurareru.
The meal is made by her.
In these examples, the focus is on the object (ケーキ, 映画, 料理) that is being made, rather than on the person performing the action. The passive form 作られる shifts the emphasis from the doer to the object of the action.
Understanding when to use the active form 作る and when to use the passive form 作られる can be tricky, but it is essential for achieving fluency in Japanese. Here are a few tips to help you navigate these forms:
1. **Emphasis on the Doer vs. the Action**: Use 作る when you want to emphasize the person performing the action. Use 作られる when you want to emphasize the action itself or the object being acted upon.
2. **Formal Writing and Speech**: The passive form 作られる is often used in more formal writing and speech. For example, in news reports, academic papers, or official documents, you will see passive constructions more frequently.
3. **Politeness and Indirectness**: In Japanese culture, indirectness is often preferred, especially when discussing someone else’s actions. Using the passive form can sometimes come across as more polite or less direct.
4. **Context and Clarity**: Sometimes the passive form can add clarity to a sentence by explicitly stating who is performing the action. For example, in a sentence like “The cake is made by the chef,” using the passive form can make it clear that the chef, and not someone else, is the one making the cake.
To further illustrate the difference, let’s look at a couple of sentences in both their active and passive forms:
Active: 彼は新しいゲームを作る。
Kare wa atarashii geemu o tsukuru.
He makes a new game.
Passive: 新しいゲームは彼によって作られる。
Atarashii geemu wa kare ni yotte tsukurareru.
The new game is made by him.
Active: 私たちは家を作る。
Watashitachi wa ie o tsukuru.
We build a house.
Passive: 家は私たちによって作られる。
Ie wa watashitachi ni yotte tsukurareru.
The house is built by us.
By comparing these sentences, you can see how the focus shifts from the doer to the object when using the passive form. This shift in focus is a fundamental aspect of Japanese grammar that can greatly impact the meaning and tone of your sentences.
In addition to 作る and 作られる, it is important to be aware of other related verb forms and their uses. For example, the potential form 作れる means “can make” or “be able to make,” and the causative form 作らせる means “to let/make someone make.” Here are some examples:
Potential: 私はケーキを作れる。
Watashi wa keeki o tsukureru.
I can make a cake.
Causative: 先生は私にレポートを作らせる。
Sensei wa watashi ni repooto o tsukuraseru.
The teacher makes me write a report.
By understanding these different forms, you can express a wide range of actions and nuances in Japanese.
In conclusion, mastering the use of 作る and 作られる is essential for anyone learning Japanese. These verbs not only allow you to describe actions and events but also help you to convey the right emphasis and tone in your sentences. By practicing these forms and paying attention to their usage in context, you will be well on your way to achieving fluency in Japanese. Happy learning!
