Japanese Verb Conjugations: Transitive vs. Intransitive296

In Japanese, verbs can be classified into two main groups: transitive verbs and intransitive verbs. Transitive verbs require a direct object to complete their meaning, while intransitive verbs do not.

Transitive Verbs

Transitive verbs are verbs that describe actions that are directed towards a specific object. They require a direct object to complete their meaning. For example, the verb "to eat" is a transitive verb because it requires a direct object (e.g., "I eat rice").

Transitive verbs can be conjugated in two ways: the active voice and the passive voice. In the active voice, the subject of the sentence is the one performing the action. In the passive voice, the subject of the sentence is the one receiving the action.

Here is an example of a transitive verb conjugated in the active voice:

私は本を読みます。

I read books.

Here is an example of a transitive verb conjugated in the passive voice:

本は私によって読まれます。

Books are read by me.

Intransitive Verbs

Intransitive verbs are verbs that describe actions that are not directed towards a specific object. They do not require a direct object to complete their meaning. For example, the verb "to sleep" is an intransitive verb because it does not require a direct object.

Intransitive verbs can only be conjugated in the active voice. They do not have a passive voice form.

Here is an example of an intransitive verb conjugated in the active voice:

私は寝ます。

I sleep.

How to Tell if a Verb is Transitive or Intransitive

There are a few ways to tell if a verb is transitive or intransitive. One way is to look at the verb's meaning. Transitive verbs describe actions that are directed towards a specific object, while intransitive verbs describe actions that are not directed towards a specific object.

Another way to tell if a verb is transitive or intransitive is to look at its usage. Transitive verbs require a direct object to complete their meaning, while intransitive verbs do not.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between transitive and intransitive verbs:
Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs

特征
Transitive Verbs
Intransitive Verbs

Meaning
Describe actions that are directed towards a specific object
Describe actions that are not directed towards a specific object

Direct Object
Require a direct object to complete their meaning
Do not require a direct object to complete their meaning

Voice
Can be conjugated in the active or passive voice
Can only be conjugated in the active voice