Advanced Formal Passives: 为...所 and 见
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 为...所 and 见 to create sophisticated, formal passive sentences in written Chinese.
- 为...所: Place the agent between 为 and 所, followed by the verb (e.g., 为人所知).
- 见: Place 见 before a verb to indicate the subject is the recipient of the action (e.g., 见笑).
- Register: These are strictly for formal writing, academic papers, or literary prose.
Overview
At the C1 level, mastering register is as crucial as mastering grammar. While 被 (bèi) is the all-purpose passive marker of spoken Chinese, its use in formal writing can seem unsophisticated. To elevate your formal and academic Chinese, you must command the advanced passive structures: 为...所 (wéi...suǒ) and 见 (jiàn).
These are not mere synonyms for 被. They are remnants of classical Chinese syntax that have survived into the modern language, carrying with them a distinct air of formality, objectivity, and literary grace.
Think of these patterns as specialized tools. The 为...所 construction is used to frame objective, factual statements in a detached, analytical tone, making it indispensable for academic, legal, and technical writing. It formally introduces the agent of an action, lending an authoritative weight to the sentence.
The 见 passive, conversely, functions within a small set of idiomatic expressions to convey politeness, humility, and self-deprecation. The agent in a 见 construction is implicitly the listener, and using it is a signal of social and linguistic sophistication. Understanding these patterns is essential for navigating the dense prose of Chinese scholarship and for crafting your own writing with precision and elegance.
How This Grammar Works
被. Understanding their historical origins is key to using them correctly.为...所 (wéi...suǒ)为 (wéi), pronounced with the second tone. In classical grammar, 为 functions as a preposition to mark the agent of a passive action, equivalent to the English "by." This usage is specific and must be distinguished from the more common 为 (wèi) (fourth tone), meaning "for." The presence of 为 (wéi) is an immediate flag for a formal passive voice.所 (suǒ), is a particle that transforms the following verb into a nominal phrase. It effectively means "that which is..." or "the thing that is..." So, a phrase like 所爱 (suǒ ài) is not just the verb "to love," but rather the concept of "that which is loved." When combined, the structure 为 + Agent + 所 + Verb creates a literal meaning of "by the Agent, is that which is V-ed."- Example:
为大众所喜爱(wéi dàzhòng suǒ xǐ'ài) - Literal breakdown: "by the public, is that which is loved."
- This grammatical architecture is what creates the structure's signature objectivity. It describes the event not as something happening to a subject, but as a conceptual state of being acted upon. This is why it feels detached and factual, perfect for academic and legal contexts.
见 (jiàn)见 (jiàn) operates on a different principle. It is a pre-verbal marker that attaches directly to a verb, usually a single character. Its function is to signal that the subject is on the receiving end of an action from an unstated but implied agent.见's core meaning of "to see" or "to perceive," which extended metaphorically to mean "to experience" or "be subjected to" an action from another. When you say 请见谅 (qǐng jiàn liàng), where 谅 means "to forgive," you are not directly asking "forgive me." You are politely saying, "please [let me] receive forgiveness [from you]." This humble, indirect posture is why 见 is confined to a small set of polite, idiomatic expressions and cannot be used productively with just any verb.- Example:
请勿见怪(qǐng wù jiàn guài) - Literal breakdown: "please do not perceive-offense [because of my actions]."
- It’s a far more deferential and formal request than a direct
请不要怪我(qǐng bùyào guài wǒ).
Formation Pattern
为...所 Structure
Subject + 为 (wéi) + Agent + 所 (suǒ) + Verb
这种观点 (Zhè zhǒng guāndiǎn) |
为 (wéi) | Agent marker ("by") | 为 (wéi) |
多数学者 (duōshù xuézhě) |
所 (suǒ) | Nominalizing particle | 所 (suǒ) |
抛弃 (pāoqì) |
这种观点早已为多数学者所抛弃。 (Zhè zhǒng guāndiǎn zǎoyǐ wéi duōshù xuézhě suǒ pāoqì.)
他的行为不为社会规范所容许。 (Tā de xíngwéi bù wéi shèhuì guīfàn suǒ róngxǔ.)
为... Structure (Omitting 所)
所 is sometimes dropped. This form is slightly less formal or classical than the full version but remains firmly in the formal register.
Subject + 为 (wéi) + Agent + Verb
他最终为公司辞退。 (Tā zuìzhōng wéi gōngsī cítuì.)
他最终为公司所辞退, feels slightly more emphatic and official, as if stating the outcome of a formal process.
所 is the safer and more traditional choice.
见 Passive Idiom
见 + Verb
见谅 | jiàn liàng | to be forgiven | A formal apology for an inconvenience or mistake. |
见笑 | jiàn xiào | to be laughed at | Expressing humility about one's amateur skills or work. |
见怪 | jiàn guài | to be taken offense by | Asking someone not to be offended (often in the negative: 请勿见怪). |
见教 | jiàn jiào | to be instructed/taught | Humbly asking for advice, feedback, or wisdom. |
见外 | jiàn wài | to be treated as an outsider | Encouraging a friend or close partner to be less formal. |
见纳 | jiàn nà | to be accepted (an opinion) | Humbly hoping one's suggestion will be considered. |
这是我的拙见，不成系统，还望各位不吝见教。 (Zhè shì wǒ de zhuōjiàn, bù chéng xìtǒng, hái wàng gèwèi bùlìn jiàn jiào.)
如有任何考虑不周的地方，请您多见谅。 (Rú yǒu rènhé kǎolǜ bùzhōu de dìfāng, qǐng nín duō jiàn liàng.)
When To Use It
被 is a conscious decision about register and intent.为...所 when your purpose is to:- State an objective fact in a formal register. This is the default passive for academic, legal, and technical writing. It removes the speaker's personal opinion and presents the information as an established fact. The agent is often an institution, a field of study, or an abstract concept.
该技术已被广泛应用，其可靠性也为实践所证明。(Gāi jìshù yǐ bèi guǎngfàn yìngyòng, qí kěkàoxìng yě wéi shíjiàn suǒ zhèngmíng.)- Translation: This technology has been widely applied, and its reliability has also been proven by practice.
- Add literary or classical weight. In formal speeches, historical narratives, or literary prose, using
为...所lends a sense of gravity and elegance. It connects your writing to a long and respected scholarly tradition. 他的爱国精神为后人所敬仰。(Tā de àiguó jīngshén wéi hòurén suǒ jìngyǎng.)- Translation: His patriotic spirit is revered by later generations.
- Formally emphasize the agent. While
被can introduce an agent,为...所does so with an air of authority and finality. It highlights that the action was performed by a significant or powerful entity. 这种行为为法律所不容。(Zhè zhǒng xíngwéi wéi fǎlǜ suǒ bùróng.)- Translation: This kind of behavior is not tolerated by the law.
见 when your purpose is to:- Express humility and politeness. This is the primary and almost exclusive function of
见passives. They are a core component of formal etiquette in written communication (emails, letters) and polite speech. 刚才多有打扰，还请见谅。(Gāngcái duō yǒu dǎrǎo, hái qǐng jiànliàng.)- Translation: I apologize for the interruption just now.
- Soften a request or create respectful distance.
请见谅is softer and more deferential than请原谅我. It focuses on the listener's graciousness in forgiving, rather than the speaker's act of asking. Using these expressions shows social awareness and respect. 您太见外了，我们之间不必这么客气。(Nín tài jiànwài le, wǒmen zhī jiān bùbì zhème kèqì.)- Translation: You're being too much like a stranger; there's no need to be so polite between us.
Common Mistakes
我的午饭为同事所吃了。 (Wǒ de wǔfàn wéi tóngshì suǒ chīle.) | 我的午饭被我同事吃了。 (Wǒ de wǔfàn bèi wǒ tóngshì chīle.) | The event (lunch being eaten) is trivial. 为...所 elevates it to the level of a formal incident, creating a humorous absurdity. |他为他女朋友所爱。 (Tā wéi tā nǚpéngyǒu suǒ ài.) | 他女朋友很爱他。 (Tā nǚpéngyǒu hěn ài tā.) | Love in a personal relationship is not an objective, academic fact. The active voice is far more natural and direct. 为...所 requires a formal verb; 爱 is too general. |见 as a Productive Prefix见 to any verb to form a passive. It is restricted to its small, fixed set of idiomatic expressions.- ❌ Wrong:
我害怕在会上见批评。(Wǒ hàipà zài huìshàng jiàn pīpíng.) - ✅ Right:
我害怕在会上受到批评。(Wǒ hàipà zài huìshàng shòudào pīpíng.) - Why:
批评(to criticize) is an abstract action. The correct passive for receiving such actions is受 (shòu).见cannot be used here.
为...所- Dropping the agent: The primary function of
为...所is to formally introduce the agent. Without an agent, the structure is incomplete and ungrammatical. - ❌ Wrong:
窗户为所打破。(Chuānghù wéi suǒ dǎpò.) - ✅ Right:
窗户被打破了。(Chuānghù bèi dǎpòle.) - Using colloquial verbs: This structure demands formal, literary verbs, which are typically disyllabic. Using a common, everyday verb creates a stylistic clash.
- ❌ Wrong:
这个秘密为大家所知道。(Zhège mìmì wéi dàjiā suǒ zhīdào.) - ✅ Right:
这个秘密为大家所熟知。(Zhège mìmì wéi dàjiā suǒ shúzhī.) (熟知is the formal equivalent of知道).
见-Passives- Adding a direct object:
见-passives are intransitive because the person being acted upon is already the subject. Adding an object is redundant. - ❌ Wrong:
如果我忘了，请见谅我。(Rúguǒ wǒ wàngle, qǐng jiàn liàng wǒ.) - ✅ Right:
如果我忘了，请见谅。(Rúguǒ wǒ wàngle, qǐng jiàn liàng.)
Real Conversations
Observing these patterns in authentic contexts is the best way to internalize their use.
Scenario 1
> 本项目旨在探索一种新型催化剂。该材料的初步潜力已为业界所关注，但其深层机理尚未为研究所揭示。我们的研究计划如附件所示，其中若有疏漏，恳请见教。
> (Běn xiàngmù zhǐ zài tànsuǒ yī zhǒng xīnxíng cuīhuàjì. Gāi cáiliào de chūbù qiánlì yǐ wéi yèjiè suǒ guānzhù, dàn qí shēncéng jīlǐ shàngwèi wéi yánjiū suǒ jiēshì. Wǒmen de yánjiū jìhuà rú fùjiàn suǒ shì, qízhōng ruò yǒu shūlòu, kěnqǐng jiàn jiào.)
- Analysis: The writer uses 为业界所关注 (recognized by the industry) and 为研究所揭示 (revealed by research) to establish the academic context. The closing 恳请见教 (sincerely ask for your instruction) is standard formal etiquette to show humility to the reviewers.
Scenario 2
> Audience Member: 谢谢您的报告。您提到的那个观点，其实早在八十年代就已为王教授所提出，但当时并未引起足够重视。请问您的研究与他相比有何创新之处？
> (Xièxiè nín de bàogào. Nín tídào de nàge guāndiǎn, qíshí zǎo zài bāshí niándài jiù yǐ wéi Wáng jiàoshòu suǒ tíchū, dàn dāngshí bìngwèi yǐnqǐ zúgòu zhòngshì. Qǐngwèn nín de yánjiū yǔ tā xiāng bǐ yǒu hé chuàngxīn zhī chù?)
- Analysis: The questioner uses 为王教授所提出 (was put forward by Professor Wang) as the natural and correct way to speak in a formal academic setting. Using 被王教授提出 would sound less professional and slightly too conversational for this environment.
Scenario 3
> Friend A: 烦死了，我的偶像发了个巨丑的自拍，我没法昧着良心夸他。 (Fán sǐ le, wǒ de ǒuxiàng fāle ge jù chǒu de zìpāi, wǒ méifǎ mèizhe liángxīn kuā tā.) - So annoying, my idol posted a super ugly selfie and I can't praise it against my conscience.
>
> Friend B: 此乃忠义两难全。汝之真心竟不为偶像所纳，悲哉！ (Cǐ nǎi zhōngyì liǎng nán quán. Rǔ zhī zhēnxīn jìng bù wéi ǒuxiàng suǒ nà, bēi zāi!) - This is a true conflict of loyalties. That your true heart cannot be accepted by your idol, how tragic!
- Analysis: Friend B jokingly applies the hyper-formal 为...所纳 (to be accepted by...) and other classical language (汝, 竟, 悲哉) to the modern, trivial situation of celebrity fandom. This ironic mismatch perfectly illustrates the context where this grammar does not belong.
Quick FAQ
为...所, 受, and 被?This is a crucial distinction of register and function. They are not interchangeable.
被 (bèi) | Colloquial / Neutral | Optional | The default, all-purpose passive. Can have a negative connotation. Focus is on the event happening to the subject. Ex: 他被批评了。 |受 (shòu) | Formal | Agentless | Receptive passive. The subject receives or sustains an abstract action (e.g., influence, praise, criticism). Focus is on the subject's experience. Ex: 他受到了批评。 |为...所 | Very Formal / Literary | Required | Objective passive. States a factual event, often by an authoritative agent. Focus is on the action as a completed, objective state. Ex: 他的行为为公司所不容。 |为 in this pattern always have the wéi (2nd tone) pronunciation?Yes, absolutely. In this passive construction, the character 为 is always read wéi. This reading is intrinsically tied to its grammatical function as an agent marker meaning "by." The 4th tone reading, wèi, means "for" or "because of" and appears in entirely different structures, such as 为人民服务 (wèi rénmín fúwù - to serve for the people).
为...所 in spoken Chinese?Yes, but only in contexts that demand a high level of formality. It is perfectly normal to hear it in a university lecture, a court proceeding, a formal debate, or a national news broadcast. It is completely out of place when chatting with friends, ordering coffee, or discussing everyday plans. Using it in the wrong context will make you sound pretentious.
见-passives besides the main ones listed?Yes, but they are increasingly rare and literary. In classical texts or very high-end prose, you might encounter 见弃 (jiàn qì - to be abandoned), 见疑 (jiàn yí - to be suspected), or 见谅于人 (jiàn liàng yú rén - to be forgiven by people). For C1-level productive use, mastering 见谅, 见笑, 见怪, 见教, and 见外 is more than sufficient. You should treat any other 见-passive you encounter as a new vocabulary item to be learned by recognition, not as a pattern to replicate freely.
Passive Structure Comparison
| Pattern | Structure | Register | Agent Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
被
|
Subj + 被 + Agent + Verb
|
Neutral
|
Yes
|
|
为...所
|
Subj + 为 + Agent + 所 + Verb
|
Formal
|
Yes
|
|
见
|
Subj + 见 + Verb
|
Literary
|
Optional
|
Meanings
These structures are used to express the passive voice in formal, written, or literary Chinese, emphasizing the action or the recipient rather than the agent.
为...所 (Agentive Passive)
Indicates the agent of a passive action in formal contexts.
“此方案{为|wéi}专家{所|suǒ}{认可|rènkě}。”
“他{为|wéi}世人{所|suǒ}{铭记|míngjì}。”
见 (Recipient Passive)
A literary way to mark the subject as the recipient of an action.
“{见|jiàn}{笑|xiào}于大方之家。”
“此事{见|jiàn}{载|zài}于史册。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative (为)
|
Subj + 为 + Agent + 所 + Verb
|
此案为众人所知。
|
|
Affirmative (见)
|
Subj + 见 + Verb
|
此事见载于书。
|
|
Negative (为)
|
Subj + 不为 + Agent + 所 + Verb
|
此举不为大众所接受。
|
|
Negative (见)
|
Subj + 不见 + Verb
|
此人不见容于此。
|
Formality Spectrum
该提议为委员会所采纳。 (Business meeting)
委员会接受了这个提议。 (Business meeting)
委员会同意了。 (Business meeting)
委员会搞定了。 (Business meeting)
Passive Voice Hierarchy
Neutral
- 被 bèi
Formal
- 为...所 wéi...suǒ
Literary
- 见 jiàn
Examples by Level
书被拿走了。
The book was taken.
他被老师批评了。
He was criticized by the teacher.
这个计划被大家接受了。
This plan was accepted by everyone.
该提议为委员会所采纳。
The proposal was adopted by the committee.
此举为大众所称赞。
This action was praised by the public.
此事见载于史册。
This event is recorded in history books.
该政策为各界所关注。
The policy is of concern to all sectors.
他见弃于社会。
He was abandoned by society.
此论点为学界所公认。
This argument is generally accepted by the academic community.
见笑于大方之家。
To be laughed at by experts (a humble expression).
此项研究为政府所资助。
This research is funded by the government.
其才华见重于当世。
His talent is valued by the contemporary world.
Easily Confused
Learners use '为...所' in daily life, sounding unnatural.
Learners think '见' is just a synonym for '被'.
Learners confuse the passive marker with the 'for the sake of' marker.
Common Mistakes
我为他所打。
我被他打了。
书为我所读。
书被我读了。
为所他批准。
为他所批准。
他见打。
他被打。
计划为所大家接受。
计划为大家所接受。
他见批评。
他被批评。
为...所...了。
为...所...
为他所看见。
被他看见。
此举为我所做了。
此举为我所为。
见被批评。
见批评。
为他所吃饭。
为他所食。
为所政府资助。
为政府所资助。
见被弃。
见弃。
为大众所喜欢。
为大众所喜爱。
Sentence Patterns
此方案为___所认可。
此事见___于史册。
该政策不为___所接受。
他见___于当世。
Real World Usage
此结论为多项研究所证实。
该法案为议会所通过。
此作见赏于当代文坛。
他见弃于朝廷。
此决定为董事会所批准。
此举为大众所诟病。
Check the Verb
Avoid in Speech
Agent Placement
Literary Flair
Smart Tips
Replace '被' with '为...所' to instantly elevate your tone.
Use '见' to add a classical, literary touch.
Use '为...所' to vary your sentence structure.
Use '为...所' to emphasize the funding body.
Pronunciation
为 (wéi)
In this structure, '为' is pronounced with the second tone (wéi), not the fourth tone (wèi).
所 (suǒ)
The third tone is crisp and clear.
Formal/Academic
该项目 ↗ 为委员会 ↘ 所批准。
Rising on the subject, falling on the verb to show authority.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember: '为' (wéi) is the formal 'by', and '所' (suǒ) is the formal 'the'. Together they wrap the agent like a formal gift.
Visual Association
Imagine a formal document with a wax seal. The '为' and '所' are the two sides of the seal, holding the agent inside.
Rhyme
为 agent 所 verb, formal tone you observe.
Story
A scholar is writing a decree. He avoids the common '被' and uses '为...所' to make his words sound like ancient law. He feels powerful as the ink dries on the paper.
Word Web
Challenge
Rewrite three news headlines using '为...所' instead of '被'.
Cultural Notes
Widely used in academic papers and official government documents to maintain an objective, detached tone.
Often seen in high-brow literary magazines and formal editorial columns.
The '见' passive is deeply rooted in classical Chinese literature and Confucian texts.
These constructions originate from Classical Chinese, where '为' acted as a preposition meaning 'by' and '所' acted as a nominalizer.
Conversation Starters
你认为这个政策会被大众接受吗？
这本小说在文学界评价如何？
这个项目是由谁资助的？
你觉得他为什么这么出名？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
此项目 ___ 委员会 ___ 批准。
Find and fix the mistake:
该计划为所大家接受。
Which sentence is best for an academic paper?
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
This policy is supported by the public.
Answer starts with: a...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Use: 为, 所, 专家, 认可
大家称赞他。
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises此项目 ___ 委员会 ___ 批准。
Find and fix the mistake:
该计划为所大家接受。
Which sentence is best for an academic paper?
为 / 所 / 称赞 / 大众 / 此举
This policy is supported by the public.
Match: 被, 为...所, 见
Use: 为, 所, 专家, 认可
大家称赞他。
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercises他的观点已经为大家 ___ 接受。 (His viewpoint has already been accepted by everyone.)
发货延迟，还请 ___ 谅。 (The shipping is delayed, please forgive us.)
这种理论不被学界所认可。 (This theory is not recognized by academia.)
我的自行车为小张所借。 (My bike was borrowed by Xiao Zhang.)
The truth is known by the public. (真相 / 为 / 知道 / 大众 / 所)
How do you say 'Please don't laugh (at my humble offering)' when giving a gift?
这首歌深深为年轻人所 ___。
Which sentence correctly uses 见怪 (to take offense)?
这些数据不 ___ 专家所信任。 (These data are not trusted by experts.)
How to write 'accepted by society' in a formal essay?
How do you negate the 为...所 structure?
他的努力终为大家认可。 (His efforts were finally recognized by everyone.)
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
No, it is strictly for formal writing. Using it in speech will sound very unnatural.
No, '见' is a literary passive marker, while '被' is the standard neutral passive marker.
It is a formal preposition meaning 'by' in this context, distinct from the verb 'wèi' (to do/be).
No, it should be used with transitive verbs that can logically accept an agent.
Then use '被' or a different structure. '为...所' requires an agent.
Yes, they are very common in formal news editorials and official reports.
It is generally avoided in highly formal writing as it adds a colloquial tone.
Mastering these passive patterns is a key step toward professional, high-level writing.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
ser + participio + por
Spanish is used in all registers; Chinese '为...所' is strictly formal.
être + participe passé + par
French passive is common; Chinese '为...所' is rare.
von + Dativ
German passive is standard; Chinese '为...所' is literary.
ni yotte
Japanese uses it more frequently in formal writing.
min qibal
Arabic structure is more flexible than Chinese.
被
Register: '被' is neutral, '为...所' is formal.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
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