为…所…

HSK 5
  • Passive (把/被)

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

Subject (passive)AgentVerb

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

The structure 为…所… is used to express passive actions in a formal register, equivalent to 被 sentences.

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

This is a formal passive construction, typically used in written language or official contexts. (wéi) introduces the agent performing the action, while (suǒ) appears directly before the verb.

This structure is equivalent to but carries a more classical and academic tone. In everyday conversation, using is more natural.

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

  1. 他的理论为大家所接受。
    繁: 他的理論為大家所接受。 de lǐlùn wéi dàjiā suǒ jiēshòu.

    His theory was accepted by everyone.

  2. 这种行为不为社会所容忍。
    繁: 這種行為不為社會所容忍。Zhè zhǒng xíngwéi wéi shèhuì suǒ róngrěn.

    This kind of behavior is not tolerated by society.

  3. 他的事迹为人们所传颂。
    繁: 他的事蹟為人們所傳頌。 de shìjì wéi rénmen suǒ chuánsòng.

    His deeds were praised and transmitted by people.

  4. 这个观点为多数人所赞同。
    繁: 這個觀點為多數人所贊同。Zhège guāndiǎn wéi duōshù rén suǒ zàntóng.

    This viewpoint is approved by the majority of people.

  5. 他的才华为公司所看重。
    繁: 他的才華為公司所看重。 de cáihuá wéi gōngsī suǒ kànzhòng.

    His talent is valued by the company.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong:我的钱包为小偷偷了。
    Correct:我的钱包被小偷偷了。

    The structure 为…所… is very formal and not used in everyday speech; 被 should be used instead in this case.

  • Wrong:他为老师批评。
    Correct:他为老师所批评。

    In this structure, 所 is a required component that cannot be omitted and must stand directly before the verb.