れる/られる (passive) (passive-reru) vs れる/られる (potential) (potential-reru)
What's the Difference?
Quick Answer
Passive-reru indicates an action done to the subject, while potential-reru shows the ability to do something. Use passive-reru for actions affecting the subject, and potential-reru for capabilities.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | れる/られる (passive) (passive-reru) | れる/られる (potential) (potential-reru) |
|---|---|---|
| JLPT | N4 | N4 |
| Formality | neutral | neutral |
| Grammar | Indicates an action done to the subject | Indicates the ability to do something |
| Meaning | Focuses on the action's effect on the subject | Focuses on the subject's ability to perform the action |
| Usage | Often used to describe unfortunate events or actions done to the subject | Often used to describe skills or capabilities |
れる/られる (passive) (passive-reru)
JLPT: N4 | Formality: neutral
- Grammar: Indicates an action done to the subject
- Meaning: Focuses on the action's effect on the subject
- Usage: Often used to describe unfortunate events or actions done to the subject
れる/られる (potential) (potential-reru)
JLPT: N4 | Formality: neutral
- Grammar: Indicates the ability to do something
- Meaning: Focuses on the subject's ability to perform the action
- Usage: Often used to describe skills or capabilities
Example Sentences
れる/られる (passive) (passive-reru)
本は読まれた
hon wa yomareta
The book was read
ドアは開けられた
doa wa akerareta
The door was opened
料理は食べられた
ryōri wa taberareta
The food was eaten
れる/られる (potential) (potential-reru)
私は日本語を話すことができる
watashi wa nihongo o hanasu koto ga dekiru
I can speak Japanese
彼女はピアノを弾くことができる
kanojo wa piano o hiku koto ga dekiru
She can play the piano
彼は英語を理解することができる
kare wa eigo o rikai suru koto ga dekiru
He can understand English
Common Mistakes
- ⚠ Confusing the two forms and using them interchangeably, which can change the meaning of the sentence entirely.
- ⚠ Using passive-reru to describe a skill or ability, which is incorrect and can sound unnatural.
- ⚠ Using potential-reru to describe an action done to the subject, which can also sound unnatural and change the intended meaning.
Memory Tip
💡 Think of 'passive-reru' as 'something is done to me' and 'potential-reru' as 'I can do something' to help you distinguish between the two forms.
Want all comparisons in one place?
Get the complete grammar comparison guide as a downloadable PDF.
Get the PDF Guide