Understanding Passive Voice in Cantonese

What is Passive Voice?

The passive voice is a grammatical construction where the subject of the sentence is acted upon by the verb. In English, it typically involves the verb 'to be' followed by a past participle.

Passive Voice in English vs. Cantonese

Understanding the use of the passive voice in Cantonese requires recognizing the differences from English. For example, while English uses 'to be' for passive constructions, Cantonese employs other markers.

Markers of Passive Voice in Cantonese

In Cantonese, the passive voice is often indicated using words like 'bei' (被), which is similar to saying 'by' in English. This can be combined with verbs to show an action was done *to* the subject.

Common Uses of the Passive Voice in Cantonese

The passive voice is used in Cantonese to emphasize the action over the actor or in situations where the actor is unknown or irrelevant. This is similar to usages in English, but it's important to note the structural differences.

Forming Passive Sentences

To form passive sentences in Cantonese, place 'bei' (被) before the verb. This indicates that the subject is receiving the action. Here are some examples to illustrate:

Exceptions and Considerations

It's important to recognize that not all verbs pair naturally with passive constructions in Cantonese. Context plays a significant role, and sometimes the passive voice can sound awkward if not used appropriately.

Practicing Passive Voice

Practicing the passive voice involves listening, speaking, and writing. Listen to native speakers and try to identify passive constructions. Practice transforming active sentences you come across in everyday Cantonese into the passive voice.