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Passive, potential, causative, and causative-passive verb forms
What each pattern means, when to use it, and the mistakes that cost marks in the exam.
Used when the subject receives an action from another person, often expressing being bothered by it. For Godan verbs, change the final 'u' to 'a' and add 'reru' (e.g., kaku -> kakareru). For Ichidan verbs, replace 'ru' with 'rareru' (e.g., taberu -> taberareru).
Common mistakes
Expresses ability or possibility of an action. For Godan verbs, change the final 'u' to 'e' and add 'ru' (e.g., iku -> ikeru). For Ichidan verbs, replace 'ru' with 'rareru' (e.g., okiru -> okirareru).
Common mistakes
Expresses being forced to do something against one's will. For Godan verbs (not ending in 'su'), 'a' + 'saserareru' can shorten to 'a' + 'sareru' (e.g., kaku -> kakasareru). For Ichidan verbs, replace 'ru' with 'saserareru' (e.g., taberu -> tabesaserareru).
Common mistakes
Used to express coercion (making someone do) or permission (letting someone do). For Godan verbs, change 'u' to 'a' and add 'seru' (e.g., iku -> ikaseru). For Ichidan verbs, replace 'ru' with 'saseru' (e.g., taberu -> tabesaseru).
Common mistakes
Adaptive practice
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