由
HSK 4- Passive (把/被)
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
Preposition 由 is used to indicate the person or unit responsible for carrying out an action, carrying a formal register.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
The preposition 由 (yóu) is used to introduce the person or organization responsible for carrying out an action. It carries a formal tone, commonly found in written language, announcements, or professional contexts, similar to "do" (by/done by) in Vietnamese.
This structure emphasizes who performs the action or who makes the decision. The subject of the sentence is typically the matter or object in question, followed by 由 to indicate the executing party.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 这件事由我负责。繁: 這件事由我負責。Zhè jiàn shì yóu wǒ fùzé.
This matter is my responsibility.
- 这个问题由大家决定。繁: 這個問題由大家決定。Zhè ge wèntí yóu dàjiā juédìng.
This matter will be decided by everyone.
- 晚会由学生会举办。繁: 晚會由學生會舉辦。Wǎnhuì yóu xuéshēnghuì jǔbàn.
The evening party was organized by the student union.
- 费用由公司承担。繁: 費用由公司承擔。Fèiyòng yóu gōngsī chéngdān.
The expenses will be borne by the company.
- 这个项目由你来做。繁: 這個項目由你來做。Zhè ge xiàngmù yóu nǐ lái zuò.
This project is for you to do.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:晚饭由妈妈做。Correct:晚饭是妈妈做的。
由 is too formal for a family context; use 是...的 construction or a simple declarative sentence instead.
- Wrong:他由老师批评了。Correct:他被老师批评了。
When the subject receives the action (passive voice), especially negative actions, use 被. 由 is used to indicate responsibility or decision-making authority.