Conjugation & Voice
Verb/adjective conjugation patterns, passive/causative/potential/spontaneous voices, giving-receiving expressions
6 topics
Verb Conjugation (動詞活用)
Verbs conjugate for tense (non-past/past), polarity (affirmative/negative), politeness (plain/polite), and voice (passive/causative/potential).
Passive Voice (受動態)
Action is received by the subject. Formed by adding れる/られる to verb stem. Direct passive: subject receives action. Indirect passive: subject is adversely affected by action.
Causative Voice (使役態)
Subject causes/makes/lets someone do something. Formed by adding せる/させる to verb stem.
Potential Voice (可能態)
Expresses ability/possibility to do something. Godan: う→える (書ける)。Ichidan: る→られる (食べられる)。Irregular: する→できる、来る→こられる
Spontaneous Voice (自発態)
Action occurs naturally/spontaneously without volition. Formed by adding れる/られる. Often used with 思う感じる for natural thoughts/feelings.
Giving & Receiving (授受表現)
Verbs expressing giving and receiving with social directionality: あげる(give out)、くれる(give in)、もらう(receive)。Reflect social relationships and in-group/out-group dynamics.