Passive Voice Marker 'được' — Vietnamese Grammar

The word is one of the most versatile and frequent words in the language. It functions as a passive voice marker, a modal verb indicating ability, and a main verb meaning "to receive."

The Positive Passive Voice

In English, the passive voice is generally neutral (e.g., "I was invited" vs. "I was hit"). However, this language distinguishes between positive and negative experiences. Use to form the passive voice when the action benefits the subject or is considered a positive event.

Tôi được giáo viên khen.
I was praised by the teacher.
Cô ấy được mời đến bữa tiệc.
She was invited to the party.

If the agent (the doer of the action) is obvious or unimportant, it can be omitted, leaving just the structure: Subject + + Verb.

Dự án này được hoàn thành hôm qua.
This project was completed yesterday.

Contrast with 'Bị'

It is crucial to distinguish from . While is used for beneficial events, is used for negative or unfortunate events (suffering). Using the wrong marker changes the connotation of the sentence entirely.

Anh ấy được giúp đỡ.
He was helped. (Positive/Beneficial)
Anh ấy bị đánh.
He was hit/beaten. (Negative/Suffering)

Expressing Ability (Can)

When placed after the main verb, indicates the capability to perform an action, similar to the English can or be able to. It emphasizes the result or the possibility of the action occurring.

Tôi ăn cay được.
I can eat spicy food.
Bạn có làm được không?
Can you do it?

Permission and Opportunity

When placed before the main verb, often implies permission or the opportunity to do something. It conveys the meaning of "getting to do" something or "being allowed to."

Hôm nay tôi được nghỉ.
Today I get to rest (I am off work).
Ở đây không được chụp ảnh.
Photography is not allowed here (literally: Here [you] do not get to take photos).

Meaning 'To Receive' or 'To Get'

Finally, can function as a standalone verb meaning to receive, to get, or to gain something positive.

Chị ấy được học bổng.
She got a scholarship.
Bạn được bao nhiêu điểm?
How many points did you get?

In the course

Sentences from Lingora’s Vietnamese course

23 of the course's 500 sentences use this, the first in lesson 4. A few of them, with the words “Passive Voice Marker 'được'” is about in bold:

Bạn có hai đứa con rất xinh đẹp. Chúng được bao nhiêu tuổi rồi?
You have two very beautiful children. How old are they?
Lesson 264
Tôi rất vui khi được đi du lịch đến một đất nước khác.
I'm so excited to travel to another country.
Lesson 449

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