Chinese Passive Vibe: How to use '受到' (shòudào)
受到 to describe receiving abstract things like attention, praise, or influence in a natural, passive way.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 受到 to describe receiving an abstract action or influence, often with a negative or formal connotation.
- Use 受到 + [Abstract Noun/Verb] to indicate receiving an influence: 他{受到|shòudào}了{启发|qǐfā} (He received inspiration).
- It often implies a passive experience: {受到|shòudào} {批评|pīpíng} (to receive criticism).
- It cannot be used for physical objects: You cannot 'receive' a book this way.
Overview
In Chinese, expressing the passive reception of an action—especially an abstract one—requires a more nuanced tool than the standard passive marker 被 (bèi). The verb 受到 (shòudào) fills this crucial role. It is used to signify that the subject has received, been subjected to, or been on the receiving end of an intangible action or influence.
While it translates to phrases like "to receive," "to get," or "to be met with," its function is distinctly passive, focusing on the effect an action has on the recipient.
Think of 受到 as the grammatical bridge for when you are the target of an abstract concept, such as praise, criticism, influence, or a welcome. It operates differently from 被 (bèi), which is often used for physical actions or unfortunate events and can carry a negative connotation. 受到 is neutral and its positivity or negativity is determined by the noun that follows it.
It is also distinct from 收到 (shōudào), which is reserved for receiving tangible objects like letters or packages. Understanding 受到 is essential for moving beyond textbook Chinese and discussing emotional, social, and psychological experiences with native-like precision. It is a cornerstone of both formal discourse and everyday conversation when describing how external forces impact an individual or entity.
How This Grammar Works
受到 (shòudào), it is helpful to break down the compound verb itself. The first character, 受 (shòu), is a verb meaning "to receive," "to accept," or "to endure." The second character, 到 (dào), is a resultative complement. In Chinese grammar, a resultative complement indicates that the action of the verb has achieved a result.受到 literally means "to receive and have it arrive" at the subject. This structure confirms that the action has successfully landed on and affected the recipient.受到 sentence is its SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) structure, which remains consistent even though the meaning is passive: Subject + 受到 + Abstract Noun. The subject is the person or thing experiencing the action. The 'object' in this pattern is never a physical item; it is always an abstract noun that represents the action or influence being received.我受到了影响 (wǒ shòudào le yǐngxiǎng), which literally translates to "I received influence." This construction places the focus squarely on the recipient and the abstract 'thing' they received, often making the agent (the one performing the action) secondary or entirely irrelevant.被 (bèi) pattern, which grammatically inverts the sentence and often emphasizes the agent of the action. With 受到, the focus remains on the person or thing that is undergoing the experience. For instance, in the sentence 这个理论受到了很多挑战 (zhège lǐlùn shòudào le hěnduō tiǎozhàn), or "This theory has been met with many challenges," the emphasis is on the theory and the challenges it is facing, not on who is doing the challenging.受到 an elegant and efficient tool for describing effects and reactions.Formation Pattern
受到 (shòudào) is straightforward once you internalize its two primary patterns: one where the agent is omitted, and one where the agent is specified. Both adhere to a standard Subject-Verb-Object word order.
受到. The sentence focuses entirely on the subject and the abstract noun representing the action they received. The structure is simple and direct.
Subject + 受到 + (Adjective) + Abstract Noun
她 (tā) | 这个决定 (zhège juédìng) | 他 (tā) |
受到 (shòudào) | 受到 (shòudào) | 受到 (shòudào) |
热烈 (rèliè) - enthusiastic | 严厉 (yánlì) - severe | (not used) |
欢迎 (huānyíng) - welcome | 批评 (pīpíng) - criticism | 影响 (yǐngxiǎng) - influence |
她受到热烈欢迎。 (Tā shòudào rèliè huānyíng.) | 这个决定受到严厉批评。 (Zhège juédìng shòudào yánlì pīpíng.) | 他受到了影响。 (Tā shòudào le yǐngxiǎng.) |
的 (de), which marks the agent's action (nominalized) as belonging to them.
Subject + 受到 + Actor + 的 + Abstract Noun
我 (wǒ) | 这部电影 (zhè bù diànyǐng) |
受到 (shòudào) | 受到 (shòudào) |
老师 (lǎoshī) | 观众 (guānzhòng) |
的 (de) | 的 (de) |
鼓励 (gǔlì) - encouragement | 喜爱 (xǐ'ài) - affection/love |
我受到老师的鼓励。 (Wǒ shòudào lǎoshī de gǔlì.) | 这部电影受到观众的喜爱。 (Zhè bù diànyǐng shòudào guānzhòng de xǐ'ài.) |
所 (suǒ) used, as in 为...所... (wéi...suǒ...), but with 受到, the Actor + 的 pattern is overwhelmingly more common in both spoken and written Chinese.
When To Use It
受到 (shòudào) is a versatile verb that appears in a wide range of contexts, from formal news reports to casual social media updates. Its usage can be broadly categorized by the type of abstract experience being described. Mastering these categories will help you use it appropriately.- Social and Interpersonal Actions: This is one of the most frequent uses of
受到, covering the reception of social feedback. 他的新书受到了读者的广泛好评。(Tā de xīn shū shòudào le dúzhě de guǎngfàn hǎopíng.) - His new book has received widespread positive reviews from readers.因为他的不当言论，他受到了网友的批评。(Yīnwèi tā de bùdàng yánlùn, tā shòudào le wǎngyǒu de pīpíng.) - He was criticized by netizens because of his inappropriate comments.来到新的城市，我受到了大家热情的欢迎。(Láidào xīn de chéngshì, wǒ shòudào le dàjiā rèqíng de huānyíng.) - Arriving in the new city, I was warmly welcomed by everyone.
- Psychological or Emotional Impact:
受到is the ideal verb for describing the emotional or mental effect of an event. 那部电影的情节让我受到了很大的感动。(Nà bù diànyǐng de qíngjié ràng wǒ shòudào le hěn dà de gǎndòng.) - The plot of that movie moved me greatly. (Literally: '...caused me to receive great being-moved.')父母离婚让他受到了不小的打击。(Fùmǔ líhūn ràng tā shòudào le bù xiǎo de dǎjī.) - His parents' divorce dealt him a significant blow.听了那位科学家的讲座，我很受启发。(Tīng le nà wèi kēxuéjiā de jiǎngzuò, wǒ hěn shòu qǐfā.) - I was very inspired after listening to that scientist's lecture. (Note the common abbreviation很受...for受到很大的...)
- Formal, Legal, or Systemic Treatment: In formal contexts,
受到is used to describe being subjected to a rule, system, or official action. 所有公民都受到法律的保护。(Suǒyǒu gōngmín dōu shòudào fǎlǜ de bǎohù.) - All citizens are protected by the law.由于违反规定，该公司受到了严厉处罚。(Yóuyú wéifǎn guīdìng, gāi gōngsī shòudào le yánlì chǔfá.) - For violating regulations, that company received a severe punishment.进入该区域受到严格限制。(Jìnrù gāi qūyù shòudào yángé xiànzhì.) - Entry into this area is strictly restricted.
- Environmental or External Forces: It can also be used for the impact of broader forces.
沿海地区受到了台风的影响。(Yánhǎi dìqū shòudào le táifēng de yǐngxiǎng.) - The coastal areas were affected by the typhoon.
Common Mistakes
受到. Being aware of them is the first step to avoiding them.受到 (shòudào) with 收到 (shōudào)收到 takes a concrete object, while 受到 takes an abstract one.收到 (shōudào) | 受到 (shòudào) |邮件 (yóujiàn) - email, 礼物 (lǐwù) - gift, 信 (xìn) - letter, 通知 (tōngzhī) - notification | 影响 (yǐngxiǎng) - influence, 批评 (pīpíng) - criticism, 欢迎 (huānyíng) - welcome, 教育 (jiàoyù) - education |- Incorrect:
*我今天受到一个包裹。(wǒ jīntiān shòudào yīgè bāoguǒ.) - Correct:
我今天收到一个包裹。(wǒ jīntiān shōudào yīgè bāoguǒ.) - I received a package today.
- Incorrect:
*他的想法收到了很多反对。(tā de xiǎngfǎ shōudào le hěnduō fǎnduì.) - Correct:
他的想法受到了很多反对。(tā de xiǎngfǎ shòudào le hěnduō fǎnduì.) - His idea was met with a lot of opposition.
受到受到 must be followed by a noun or a nominalized phrase. Some words in Chinese can function as both verbs and nouns (e.g., 批评 pīpíng, 表扬 biǎoyáng), which can cause confusion. After 受到, they are always treated as nouns.- Incorrect:
*我受到他批评。(This structure is ungrammatical as it treats批评as a verb in a serial verb construction). - Correct:
我受到了他的批评。(wǒ shòudào le tā de pīpíng.) - I was criticized by him. (Here,批评is the noun 'criticism').
被 (bèi) Passive受到 and 被 are used in different contexts and have different grammatical properties.被 (bèi) | 受到 (shòudào) |Receiver + 被 + (Agent) + Verb Phrase | Receiver + 受到 + (Agent + 的) + Noun |我的自行车被偷了。 (Wǒ de zìxíngchē bèi tōu le.) - My bike was stolen. | 我的努力受到了认可。 (Wǒ de nǔlì shòudào le rènkě.) - My efforts were recognized. |被 for praise, as in *我被表扬了 (wǒ bèi biǎoyáng le), is not strictly wrong but sounds awkward to a native speaker, as if the praise was an unwelcome burden. 我受到了表扬 (wǒ shòudào le biǎoyáng) is far more natural.Real Conversations
Observing 受到 in natural dialogue helps to solidify its meaning and usage.
Scenario 1
A
听说我们的项目提案受到了管理层的重视，有机会获得额外预算。(Tīngshuō wǒmen de xiàngmù tí'àn shòudào le guǎnlǐcéng de zhòngshì, yǒu jīhuì huòdé éwài yùsuàn.)
(I heard our project proposal is being taken seriously by management; we might get an additional budget.)
B
那太好了！我还以为会受到很多质疑呢。毕竟这个想法很大胆。(Nà tài hǎo le! Wǒ hái yǐwéi huì shòudào hěnduō zhìyí ne. Bìjìng zhège xiǎngfǎ hěn dàdǎn.)
(That's great! I thought it would be met with a lot of skepticism. After all, the idea is pretty bold.)
Scenario 2
User A (Post): 这部电影的结局让我受到了巨大的情感冲击！
(Zhè bù diànyǐng de jiéjú ràng wǒ shòudào le jùdà de qínggǎn chōngjī!)
(The ending of this movie gave me a huge emotional shock!)
User B (Comment): 完全同意！男主角的牺牲也让我很受感动。很少有电影能让我这样。
(Wánquán tóngyì! Nánzhǔjué de xīshēng yě ràng wǒ hěn shòu gǎndòng. Hěn shǎo yǒu diànyǐng néng ràng wǒ zhèyàng.)
(Totally agree! The main character's sacrifice also really moved me. It's rare for a movie to affect me like this.)
Scenario 3
A
你在日本的旅行怎么样？(Nǐ zài Rìběn de lǚxíng zěnmeyàng?)
(How was your trip to Japan?)
B
非常棒！无论去哪里，我都受到了当地人友好的招待。(Fēicháng bàng! Wúlùn qù nǎlǐ, wǒ dōu shòudào le dāngdìrén yǒuhǎo de zhāodài.)
(It was amazing! No matter where I went, I received friendly hospitality from the locals.)
Quick FAQ
受到 (shòudào) formal or informal?It is neutral and extremely versatile. It can be used in the most formal academic papers (e.g., 受到...影响 - be influenced by...) and also in casual text messages (e.g., 我很受鼓舞 - I'm very encouraged). The formality is largely determined by the abstract noun it pairs with. 受到制裁 (sanctions) is formal, while 受到欢迎 (welcome) is common in all contexts.
了 (le) with 受到?Yes, absolutely. Adding 了 (le) after 受到 emphasizes that the action has been completed and the effect has been realized. For example, 他受到了表扬 (tā shòudào le biǎoyáng) means "He was praised," implying the event is complete. Its absence might suggest a general state, as in 他总能受到表扬 (tā zǒng néng shòudào biǎoyáng) - "He can always get praised."
受 (shòu) and 受到 (shòudào)?受 is the base verb "to receive," while 到 is a resultative complement. 受到 explicitly confirms the action has reached its target. While they can sometimes be used interchangeably in certain fixed expressions (受欢迎 is as correct as 受到欢迎), 受到 functions as a complete verb, whereas 受 often requires another character to form a full disyllabic verb (e.g., 受伤 shòushāng - to be injured; 受骗 shòupiàn - to be deceived). You can say 我受到影响 but not *我受影响. You would have to say 我受了他的影响.
受到教育 (shòudào jiàoyù - to receive an education) seems to break the 'abstract noun' rule. Isn't education a concrete system?This is an excellent question that reveals how language conceptualizes ideas. In this context, 教育 (jiàoyù) is not treated as the physical school or curriculum, but as the abstract process and influence of being educated. The same applies to 受到训练 (shòudào xùnliàn - to receive training). The grammar forces us to see these concepts as intangible forces acting upon the subject.
受到 for getting a cold or illness?Generally, no. For common illnesses, you use specific verbs like 感冒 (gǎnmào - to have a cold) or 生病 (shēngbìng - to get sick). However, 受到 can be used for things like infections, as in 受到病毒感染 (shòudào bìngdú gǎnrǎn - to be infected by a virus), because 'infection' is treated as an abstract action from an external agent.
受到 Construction Patterns
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subj + 受到 + Abstract Noun
|
他受到表扬
|
|
Negative
|
Subj + 没有受到 + Abstract Noun
|
他没有受到表扬
|
|
Question
|
Subj + 受到 + Abstract Noun + 吗?
|
他受到表扬吗?
|
|
Past
|
Subj + 受到 + 了 + Abstract Noun
|
他受到了表扬
|
|
Potential
|
Subj + 受到 + 得了 + Abstract Noun
|
他受到得了表扬 (Rare)
|
|
Adverbial
|
Subj + 受到 + [Adv] + Abstract Noun
|
他受到严重批评
|
Meanings
A construction used to express that the subject is the recipient of an abstract action, influence, or evaluation.
Abstract Influence
To be affected by something abstract.
“他{受到|shòudào}了{教育|jiàoyù}。”
“我们{受到|shòudào}了{影响|yǐngxiǎng}。”
Formal Passive
Used in formal writing to denote being the target of an action.
“该{计划|jìhuà} {受到|shòudào}了 {质疑|zhìyí}。”
“此{提议|tíyì} {受到|shòudào}了 {支持|zhīchí}。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subject + 受到 + Noun
|
他受到欢迎
|
|
Negative
|
Subject + 没(有) + 受到 + Noun
|
他没受到欢迎
|
|
Question
|
Subject + 受到 + Noun + 吗?
|
他受到欢迎吗?
|
|
Past
|
Subject + 受到 + 了 + Noun
|
他受到了欢迎
|
|
Adverbial
|
Subject + 受到 + [Adv] + Noun
|
他受到很大影响
|
|
Passive-like
|
Subject + 受到 + [Verb-Noun]
|
他受到批评
|
Formality Spectrum
他受到了严厉的批评。 (Workplace feedback)
他受到了批评。 (Workplace feedback)
他被骂了。 (Workplace feedback)
他被喷了。 (Workplace feedback)
The 受到 Universe
Positive
- 欢迎 welcome
- 表扬 praise
Negative
- 批评 criticism
- 打击 blow
Neutral
- 影响 influence
- 启发 inspiration
Examples by Level
我{受到|shòudào}了{帮助|bāngzhù}。
I received help.
他{受到|shòudào}了{表扬|biǎoyáng}。
He received praise.
我们{受到|shòudào}了{欢迎|huānyíng}。
We were welcomed.
她{受到|shòudào}了{鼓励|gǔlì}。
She received encouragement.
这个{建议|jiànyì} {受到|shòudào}了 {重视|zhòngshì}。
This suggestion was taken seriously.
他{受到|shòudào}了 {批评|pīpíng}。
He received criticism.
我们{受到|shòudào}了 {影响|yǐngxiǎng}。
We were influenced.
她{受到|shòudào}了 {启发|qǐfā}。
She was inspired.
该{项目|xiàngmù} {受到|shòudào}了 {广泛|guǎngfàn} {关注|guānzhù}。
The project received widespread attention.
他的{行为|xíngwéi} {受到|shòudào}了 {谴责|qiǎnzé}。
His behavior was condemned.
这{政策|zhèngcè} {受到|shòudào}了 {支持|zhīchí}。
The policy received support.
他{受到|shòudào}了 {不公平|bùgōngpíng} {对待|duìdài}。
He was treated unfairly.
由于{天气|tiānqì}，{航班|hángbān} {受到|shòudào}了 {延误|yánwù}。
Due to weather, the flight was delayed.
他{受到|shòudào}了 {法律|fǎlǜ} {制裁|zhìcái}。
He was sanctioned by law.
这个{观点|guāndiǎn} {受到|shòudào}了 {挑战|tiǎozhàn}。
This viewpoint was challenged.
她{受到|shòudào}了 {严重|yánzhòng} {打击|dǎjī}。
She suffered a severe blow.
该{理论|lǐlùn} {受到|shòudào}了 {学术界|xuéshùjiè}的 {质疑|zhìyí}。
The theory was questioned by the academic community.
他{受到|shòudào}了 {良心|liángxīn}的 {谴责|qiǎnzé}。
He was condemned by his conscience.
这{方案|fāng'àn} {受到|shòudào}了 {各方|gèfāng} {肯定|kěndìng}。
The plan was affirmed by all parties.
他{受到|shòudào}了 {前所未有|qiánsuǒwèiyǒu}的 {压力|yālì}。
He was under unprecedented pressure.
此{举|jǔ} {受到|shòudào}了 {舆论|yúlùn}的 {强烈|qiángliè} {抨击|pēngjī}。
This move was strongly criticized by public opinion.
他{受到|shòudào}了 {文化|wénhuà} {熏陶|xūntáo}。
He was influenced by culture.
该{地区|dìqū} {受到|shòudào}了 {自然灾害|zìránzāihài}的 {侵袭|qīnxí}。
The region was hit by natural disasters.
他{受到|shòudào}了 {命运|mìngyùn}的 {捉弄|zhuōnòng}。
He was toyed with by fate.
Easily Confused
Both sound the same (shòudào/shōudào) and mean 'receive'.
Both are used for passive-like structures.
Both relate to feelings.
Common Mistakes
我受到了一本书
我收到了一本书
他受到打
他被打
受到不批评
没有受到批评
他受到一个礼物
他收到一个礼物
受到影响了
受到了影响
受到很批评
受到很严重的批评
他受到开心
他感到开心
受到一个建议
收到一个建议
受到很大的打击
受到了很大的打击
受到法律的被制裁
受到法律制裁
受到欢迎了
受到了欢迎
受到舆论的抨击
受到舆论抨击
受到前所未有的压力
受到了前所未有的压力
受到挑战了
受到了挑战
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 受到 + ___ + 的 + 影响
Subject + 受到 + ___ + 的 + 批评
Subject + 受到 + ___ + 的 + 欢迎
Subject + 受到 + ___ + 的 + 启发
Real World Usage
该事件受到了社会广泛关注。
我受到过良好的专业训练。
此理论受到了学界的质疑。
这个视频受到了很多人的喜爱。
我们的服务受到了客户的好评。
我们受到了当地人的热情欢迎。
Check the Noun
No Direct Violence
Formal Tone
Politeness
Smart Tips
Use 受到 + [feedback type] to sound professional.
Use 受到 + 影响 to describe external factors.
Use 受到 + 帮助 to be polite.
Use 受到 + 支持/反对.
Pronunciation
Tone change
受到 (shòudào) is standard 4th tone + 4th tone.
Emphasis
他受到了↑严重的批评。
Rising pitch on the abstract noun emphasizes the severity.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'shòudào' as 'Show-Down' with an abstract idea: you are standing there and the idea is hitting you.
Visual Association
Imagine a person standing in the rain, but instead of water, words like 'Praise' or 'Criticism' are falling on them. They are 'receiving' these abstract things.
Rhyme
Abstract nouns are the key, 受到 is the place to be.
Story
Xiao Wang went to work. He received a promotion (受到表扬). Then he made a mistake and received criticism (受到批评). Finally, he realized he was influenced by his boss (受到影响).
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about your day using 受到 + [abstract noun].
Cultural Notes
Used heavily in official news and government reports to maintain a formal tone.
Similar usage, but often seen in academic and literary contexts.
Often mixed with English-influenced structures in business, but 受到 remains standard.
Derived from the classical Chinese verb 受 (shòu - to receive) and 到 (dào - to arrive/attain).
Conversation Starters
你最近受到过什么启发吗？
你觉得这个政策会受到欢迎吗？
你有没有受到过不公平的对待？
你受到过什么影响？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
我昨天____了一封信。
他____了很大的影响。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
他受到打。
受到 / 欢迎 / 广泛 / 项目 / 了
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
大家批评了他。
The policy was supported by the public.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises我昨天____了一封信。
他____了很大的影响。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
他受到打。
受到 / 欢迎 / 广泛 / 项目 / 了
Match 受到 with:
大家批评了他。
The policy was supported by the public.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises{她的表演___了大家的欢迎。|Tā de biǎoyǎn ___ le dàjiā de huānyíng.}
{我受到他的礼物。|Wǒ shòudào tā de lǐwù.}
1.受到 2.他 3.关注 4.很多
I was influenced by my parents.
Choose the best fit:
Match the pairs:
{这个决定___了很大的压力。|Zhè gè juédìng ___ le hěn dà de yālì.}
1.欢迎 2.新同学 3.受到 4.大家的
I am inspired by you.
Praising a student:
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, only for abstract nouns like influence, praise, or criticism.
收到 is for physical items; 受到 is for abstract concepts.
It is more formal than active voice, yes.
You can, but it might sound a bit stiff.
Because 'hitting' is a physical action, which requires '被'.
It can be both positive (praise) and negative (criticism).
Use 没有 (méiyǒu) before 受到.
It is a passive-like construction for abstract states.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Recibir
Chinese requires two different verbs (收到 vs 受到).
Recevoir
Chinese distinction is semantic (abstract vs physical).
Erhalten / Empfangen
Chinese grammar is strictly constrained by the noun type.
受ける (ukeru)
Japanese 'ukeru' is more versatile than 受到.
تلقى (talaqqa)
Arabic does not have the same physical/abstract split as Chinese.
受到
N/A
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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