This time, we will study the passive voice in Vietnamese.
Unlike in English, Vietnamese verbs do not change in the passive voice. Instead, words indicating passivity (three types) are added based on the meaning of the verb. Depending on the word used (hereafter referred to as “passive indicators”), the sentence can take on a positive, negative, or neutral meaning.
When constructing a sentence, it is necessary to determine whether the content is positive, negative, or neutral.
Passive Indicators
| Words | Vietnamese | English |
|---|---|---|
| được | Beneficial passive (Positive) | “được” originally means “to obtain.” When included in a sentence, it expresses a beneficial passive meaning. |
| bị | Adverse passive (Negative) | “bị” carries the meaning of “suffering (damage).” When used in a passive expression, it implies an adverse meaning. |
| do | Neutral expression | In addition to the above two, “do” is used for neutral expressions. |
Basic Structures
Structure ①
Example Sentences:
① Tôi được cô giáo khen.
I was praised by the teacher.
② Tôi bị bố mẹ mắng.
I was scolded by my parents.
③ Vấn đề này đã được giải quyết.
This problem has been resolved.
④ Chuyến bay đã bị hoãn giờ.
The flight was delayed.
⑤ Tôi không được ra khỏi nhà sau 10 giờ tối.
I am not allowed to leave the house after 10 PM.
Structure ②
Example Sentences:
① Bức tranh này do tôi vẽ.
This painting was drawn by me.
② Dự án này do chị Lan đề nghị.
This project was proposed by Ms. Lan.
Note: When “do” is followed by a full clause, it expresses a causal meaning.
Example Sentence: Anh ấy không đi làm do bị ốm.
(He did not go to work because he was sick.)
QUIZ
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate passive indicators (được, bị, do).
-
Chị ấy ___ sếp khen.
She was praised by the boss. -
Ông ấy ___ bắt.
That man was arrested. -
Bức tường này ___ bố tôi tự sơn.
This wall was painted by my father himself. -
Em tôi ___ điểm kém.
My younger sibling received a bad grade. -
Nhân viên mới ___ mọi người hoan nghênh.
The new employee was welcomed by everyone.