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Lesson

被动句 (colloquial passive with 叫/让)

1. Explain it simply

Frame: Receiver + 叫/让 + Doer + Verb + result.

叫 and 让 mean by here, just like 被, but they sound more colloquial.

Unlike 被, the doer after 叫/让 is required - you cannot leave it out.

The verb usually carries a result or 了 to show the action is complete.

2. Show examples

我的自行车叫人骑走了。

Wǒ de zìxíngchē jiào rén qí zǒu le.

My bike was ridden away by someone.

叫 introduces the doer 人

蛋糕让弟弟吃了。

Dàngāo ràng dìdi chī le.

The cake was eaten by little brother.

让 works like 被

我的伞叫同事拿走了。

Wǒ de sǎn jiào tóngshì ná zǒu le.

My umbrella was taken by a colleague.

the doer comes right after 叫

3. Share a tip

With 叫 or 让 you must name the doer; only 被 may drop it.

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