〜られます (passive)
passive voice
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜られます (passive)” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜られます (passive)」 means "passive voice". Structure: Verb passive form. This is a JLPT N4 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Polite
A safe choice for everyday conversations, shops, school, and the workplace.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1故障は多くの人に読まれます。
こしょう は おおく の ひと に よまれます。
koshou wa ooku no hito ni yomaremasu.
The breakdown is read by many people.
Everyday life
Example 2お釣りは多くの人に読まれます。
おつり は おおく の ひと に よまれます。
otsuri wa ooku no hito ni yomaremasu.
The change (money) is read by many people.
Everyday life
Example 3畳は多くの人に読まれます。
たたみ は おおく の ひと に よまれます。
tatami wa ooku no hito ni yomaremasu.
The tatami mat is read by many people.
Everyday life
Example 4紙は多くの人に読まれます。
かみ は おおく の ひと に よまれます。
kami wa ooku no hito ni yomaremasu.
The paper is read by many people.
Everyday life
Example 5草は多くの人に読まれます。
くさ は おおく の ひと に よまれます。
kusa wa ooku no hito ni yomaremasu.
The grass is read by many people.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
The breakdown is read by many people.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜られます (passive).
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.