〜させられる
forced to do
N3passive-causative
〜させられる expresses forced to do. Passive and causative forms in Japanese change who does the action and who is affected. These forms are more common in Japanese than in English and are essential for natural expression.
This is an upper-intermediate pattern common in natural conversation and media like news, novels, and dramas.
Structure
G1: う → あ-row + せられる / G2: る → させられる
Formation#
| Verb Type | Dictionary Form | Causative-Passive Form |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | 書く | 書かされる |
| Group 1 | 読む | 読まされる |
| Group 2 | 食べる | 食べさせられる |
| する | する | させられる |
| くる | くる | こさせられる |
Combine the causative and passive forms. Group 1 verbs often use the shortened form (〜される).
When to Use#
- When someone is forced to do something against their will
- When expressing annoyance at being made to do something
When NOT to Use#
- When a different nuance than "forced to do" is intended — check the related patterns below
Example Sentences#
- 姪の世話をさせられました。 — I was made to babysit my niece.
- 上司に残業をさせられます。 — My boss makes me work overtime.
- 上司に週末も働かされました。 — My boss made me work on the weekend.
Practice#
Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:
N3family
I was made to babysit my niece.
Neutral
姪の世話をさせられました。
Casual
姪の世話をさせられた。
Vocabulary
姪niece世話care世話をするto take care of
Grammar
〜させられるto be made to do (causative-passive)
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N3wellness
My boss makes me work overtime.
Neutral
上司に残業をさせられます。
Casual
上司に残業をさせられる。
Vocabulary
上司boss; superior残業overtime workするto do
Grammar
使役受身形 (causative-passive)to be made to do
Try in JIVX
Common Mistakes#
- Wrong verb group conjugation — Group 1 and Group 2 verbs conjugate differently. Common pitfall: treating Group 1 verbs ending in る (like 帰る) as Group 2 verbs.
Related Patterns#
- 〜させる (make / let (causative)) — Next step
Related Patterns
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