Chapter in 30 Seconds
Master the art of expressing actions without needing to name the doer.
- Navigate passive constructions using 'on' and reflexive structures.
- Describe services performed for you using 'se faire' and 'se voir'.
- Formulate formal rules and general statements with impersonal expressions.
你将学到什么
Ready to unlock a new level of French fluency? You know how in English we often use passive constructions like it was done or
the decision was made? French has its own elegant and super common ways to express these ideas – and they're often more natural and less formal than a direct passive translation! In this chapter, we're diving deep into expressing actions where the
doer isn't the star, or when you want to talk about something that generally happens. You'll discover why some common English passive sentences don't directly translate into French, and how to avoid those pitfalls. We'll introduce you to the versatile magic of on – an incredibly useful pronoun that effortlessly replaces many passive structures. Then, you'll learn how to express things that happen to you or are done for youusing constructions like
se faire + infinitive and se voir + infinitive. Finally, you'll master how to make general statements and rules, like it is said or it is forbidden, with the elegant se + verb (pronominal passive) and il est + participle forms.
Imagine effortlessly saying my car got fixedwithout specifying who fixed it, or
these cookies are made with chocolatewhen describing a recipe. Picture yourself reading a museum sign that says
it is forbidden to touch the artand instantly understanding the impersonal rule. These skills will make your French sound significantly more authentic and native. This chapter isn't just about grammar; it's about giving you the tools to express yourself more naturally and confidently. By the end, you'll be able to describe things that
are done or happen with ease, making your conversations smoother and your comprehension sharper. Don't worry, it's easier and more rewarding than you think! Let's go!
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间接宾语（COI）不可使用被动语态：带 'à' 的动词规则In French, you can't be 'talked to' in the passive; use 'On' or active voice instead.
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神奇的 'On'：被动语态的简便替代方案Replace the passive voice with
on+ active verb to sound more natural and avoid complex grammar. -
让别人为你做某事或被动经历 (se faire + 不定式)Use
se faire+ infinitive to describe things that happen to you, and never change the spelling offait. -
代词式被动语态：描述被... (se voir + 动词不定式)Use
se voir+ infinitive to naturally describe actions happening to you without using the formal passive voice. -
被动意义的代词式动词：如何表达“被做”使用
se + verb结构可以非常自然地表达“某事被做”，重点在于动作的对象而非执行者。 -
据说：法语无人称被动语态 (La forme passive impersonnelle)Use
Il est+ participle to state general facts or rules without naming a specific person.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
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1
By the end you will be able to: Use the pronoun 'on' to replace passive constructions in daily conversation.
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2
By the end you will be able to: Explain that a service was performed for you using 'se faire'.
章节指南
Overview
doer isn't specified, or when describing general truths.it was done or things are said. You'll discover why a literal translation of the English passive often sounds clunky or even incorrect in French, especially with certain verbs. By understanding these nuances, you'll avoid common pitfalls and unlock a more fluid communication style. This isn't just about learning rules; it's about gaining the tools to express yourself confidently and sound more like a native speaker.How This Grammar Works
one, we, they, or simply an impersonal people. It frequently replaces the passive voice. For instance, instead of *La porte a été ouverte* (The door was opened), you'd more naturally hear On a ouvert la porte (The door was opened / One opened the door).getting things done to you,French uses se faire + infinitif. This construction implies that someone else performs the action for you, or that you experience something passively. For example, Je me suis fait couper les cheveux (I had my hair cut).
Common Mistakes
- 1✗ Wrong: *Le professeur a été obéi par les élèves.*
- 1✗ Wrong: *La décision a été prise par eux.*
- 1✗ Wrong: *Il s'est fait refuser l'entrée.*
Real Conversations
A
B
A
B
Quick FAQ
How does on differ from nous in B2 French grammar?
On is more informal and versatile, often meaning we, one, or people in general, and can replace the passive. Nous strictly means we and is more formal or specific.
Can all reflexive verbs be used in the pronominal passive sense?
No, only certain reflexive verbs naturally take on a passive meaning, typically when describing a process or a general truth, like se vendre (to be sold) or se dire (to be said).
When should I use se faire + infinitif versus se voir + infinitif?
Se faire + infinitif implies having something done *by someone else* (e.g., se faire couper les cheveux - to have one's hair cut). Se voir + infinitif implies *experiencing* an action or being subjected to something, often an official decision or an unwelcome event (e.g., se voir refuser - to be refused).
Cultural Context
magic onis ubiquitous in everyday conversation, often replacing both
we and the passive voice, contributing to a more fluid and less formal tone. The pronominal passive and impersonal forms are particularly common in public notices, official announcements, and general statements, providing an elegant way to convey information without specifying an agent.关键例句 (8)
On m'a téléphoné ce matin.
I was called this morning (Someone called me).
间接宾语（COI）不可使用被动语态：带 'à' 的动词规则On m'a dit que tu partais en vacances.
I was told that you were going on vacation.
间接宾语（COI）不可使用被动语态：带 'à' 的动词规则Je me fais couper les cheveux à midi.
I'm getting my hair cut at noon.
让别人为你做某事或被动经历 (se faire + 不定式)Elle s'est fait voler son sac dans le métro.
She had her bag stolen in the subway.
让别人为你做某事或被动经历 (se faire + 不定式)Je me vois offrir un nouveau smartphone.
I am being offered a new smartphone.
代词式被动语态：描述被... (se voir + 动词不定式)技巧与窍门 (4)
Check the preposition
Consistency
Invariance
Agreement is Key
核心词汇 (5)
Real-World Preview
At the Mechanic
Review Summary
- S + V + à + O
- On + V (3rd pers sing)
- S + se faire + inf
- S + se voir + inf
- S + se + V
- Il est + participe passé
常见错误
You cannot passivize 'parler à'. Avoid direct English translations.
Missing the reflexive pronoun changes the meaning.
Do not mix impersonal structures; pick one.
本章规则 (6)
Next Steps
You've successfully unlocked a huge piece of native-level French! Keep practicing these structures in your daily writing and you'll soon use them without even thinking.
Listen to a French news broadcast and count how many times 'on' is used.
快速练习 (10)
___ va au cinéma.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 神奇的 'On'：被动语态的简便替代方案
On ___ (manger) à midi.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 神奇的 'On'：被动语态的简便替代方案
Find and fix the mistake:
Ils s'est vus offrir un poste.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 代词式被动语态：描述被... (se voir + 动词不定式)
On ___ (manger) à 13h.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 据说：法语无人称被动语态 (La forme passive impersonnelle)
Find and fix the mistake:
On ne fument pas ici.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 据说：法语无人称被动语态 (La forme passive impersonnelle)
Le vin rouge ___ frais. (se boire)
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 被动意义的代词式动词：如何表达“被做”
Find and fix the mistake:
La loi est obéie par les citoyens.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 间接宾语（COI）不可使用被动语态：带 'à' 的动词规则
Which is correct?
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 代词式被动语态：描述被... (se voir + 动词不定式)
Which is correct?
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 让别人为你做某事或被动经历 (se faire + 不定式)
Which is correct?
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 据说：法语无人称被动语态 (La forme passive impersonnelle)
Score: /10
