Language/Malayalam/Grammar/Passive-Voice

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Malayalam → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Passive Voice

Introduction

In this lesson, we will delve into the concept of passive voice in Malayalam. The passive voice is an important grammatical structure that allows us to focus on the receiver of the action rather than the doer. Understanding and using the passive voice correctly will greatly enhance your ability to express yourself in Malayalam.

Throughout this lesson, we will explore the formation, usage, and various examples of passive voice sentences in Malayalam. We will also provide cultural insights and interesting facts related to the topic. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently construct and understand passive voice sentences in Malayalam.

Formation of Passive Voice Sentences

Passive voice sentences in Malayalam are formed by using the passive verb form, which consists of the past participle of the main verb followed by the auxiliary verb "ആകുക" (aakuka) or "ആയിരിക്കുന്നു" (ayirikkunnu). The auxiliary verb agrees with the subject of the sentence in terms of gender and number.

Let's take a look at the formation of passive voice sentences in Malayalam through the following examples:

Example 1

Malayalam	Pronunciation	English
പുസ്തകം വാങ്ങിയും വാങ്ങിയും	pusthakam vaanghiyum vaanghiyum	The book was bought.

In this example, the verb "വാങ്ങിയും" (vaanghiyum) is the past participle of the verb "വാങ്ങുക" (vaanghuka), which means "to buy." The auxiliary verb "ആയിരിക്കുന്നു" (ayirikkunnu) is used to indicate the passive voice. The subject of the sentence is the book, and the verb agrees with it in terms of gender and number.

Example 2

Malayalam	Pronunciation	English
അമ്പലത്തിന്റെ ഉണക്കം തീരുമാനിച്ചു	ambalathinte unakkam theerumaanichu	The decision was made by the committee.

In this example, the verb "തീരുമാനിച്ചു" (theerumaanichu) is the past participle of the verb "തീരുമാനിക്കുക" (theerumaanikkuka), which means "to make a decision." The subject of the sentence is the decision, and the verb agrees with it in terms of gender and number.

Usage of Passive Voice

The passive voice is used in Malayalam for various reasons, such as when the doer of the action is unknown, unimportant, or intentionally omitted. It is also used to shift the focus from the doer to the receiver of the action. Here are some common situations where the passive voice is used:

1. Unknown Doer

When the doer of the action is unknown or unimportant, the passive voice is used in Malayalam. This can happen when describing general truths or when the focus is on the action itself rather than the doer.

Example:

• വീട് വിറ്റുപോയിരിക്കുന്നു. (Veet vittu poyirikkunnu.) - The house has been sold.

In this sentence, the focus is on the fact that the house has been sold, rather than who sold it.

2. Omission of the Doer

Sometimes, the doer of the action is intentionally omitted in a sentence. This can be done to avoid repetition or to keep the focus on the receiver of the action.

Example:

• അമ്പലത്തിന്റെ ഉണക്കം തീരുമാനിച്ചു. (Ambalathinte unakkam theerumaanichu.) - The decision was made by the committee.

In this sentence, the doer of the action (the committee) is intentionally omitted to keep the focus on the decision itself.

3. Shifting Focus

The passive voice is also used to shift the focus from the doer to the receiver of the action. This can be done to emphasize the receiver or to create a more formal tone.

Example:

• പുസ്തകം വാങ്ങിയും വാങ്ങിയും. (Pusthakam vaanghiyum vaanghiyum.) - The book was bought.

In this sentence, the focus is on the book (the receiver of the action) rather than the person who bought it.

Cultural Insights

In Malayalam culture, the passive voice is commonly used to show respect or maintain politeness. By shifting the focus from the doer to the receiver of the action, the speaker can avoid directly mentioning the doer, especially in situations where it may be considered impolite to do so.

For example, when talking about someone's achievements or success, it is common to use the passive voice to keep the focus on the individual rather than explicitly mentioning their name. This helps to maintain humility and avoid sounding boastful.

Exercises

Now it's time to practice using the passive voice in Malayalam sentences. Try to construct passive voice sentences based on the given prompts. The solutions and explanations will be provided afterwards.

Exercise 1

Construct passive voice sentences using the given verbs and subjects:

1. Verb: കണ്ടുപിടിച്ചു (kaṇṭupiḍicchu) - to discover

  Subject: രാജാവ് (rājāv) - the king

2. Verb: പഠിപ്പിച്ചു (paṭhippicchu) - to teach

  Subject: അച്ഛൻ (acchan) - father

3. Verb: കരയിലേക്ക് ചുറ്റിച്ചുപോയി (karayilekku churucchipoi) - to be surrounded by the sea

  Subject: കേരളം (Kēraḷaṁ) - Kerala

Exercise 2

Translate the following English sentences into passive voice sentences in Malayalam:

1. The cake was baked by Mary. 2. The letter was written by John. 3. The project will be completed by the team. 4. The dress has been designed by a famous designer. 5. The book was recommended by the teacher.

Solutions

Exercise 1

1. രാജാവ് കണ്ടുപിടിച്ചു. (Rājāv kaṇṭupiḍicchu.) - The king was discovered. 2. അച്ഛൻ പഠിപ്പിച്ചു. (Acchan paṭhippicchu.) - Father was taught. 3. കേരളം കരയിലേക്ക് ചുറ്റിച്ചുപോയി. (Kēraḷaṁ karayilekku churucchipoi.) - Kerala is surrounded by the sea.

Exercise 2

1. കേക്ക് മേരിയായിരുന്നു പിഴവുചെയ്തത്. (Kēkku Mēriyāyirunnu pizhavucēyat.) - The cake was baked by Mary. 2. പത്രം ജോൺയായിരുന്നു എഴുതപ്പെട്ടത്. (Pathraṁ Jōṇyāyirunnu eḻutappēṭṭat.) - The letter was written by John. 3. പദ്ധതി ടീമായിരുന്നു പൂർത്തിയാക്കപ്പെടും. (Paddhati ṭīmāyirunnu pūrttiyākkappēṭum.) - The project will be completed by the team. 4. പണ്ടിക്ക് ഒരു പ്രശസ്തനിരുമ്പിയായിരുന്നു ഡിസൈനർ ഡ്രസ്സ്. (Paṇṭikku oru prasastanirumpiyāyirunnu ḍisainār ḍrass.) - The dress has been designed by a famous designer. 5. പുസ്തകം അദ്ധ്യാപകനായിരുന്നു ശേഖരിച്ചത്. (Pusthakam adhyāpakāyirunnu śēkharicchat.) - The book was recommended by the teacher.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned about the passive voice in Malayalam. You now have the knowledge and skills to construct and understand passive voice sentences. Keep practicing and using the passive voice in your conversations and written communication to enhance your proficiency in the Malayalam language.

Remember to pay attention to cultural nuances and the appropriate use of the passive voice in different contexts. This will help you communicate effectively and respectfully in Malayalam.

Continue your language learning journey by exploring the other lessons in the "Complete 0 to A1 Malayalam Course." Happy learning!

Table of Contents - Malayalam Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Malayalam Script

• Basic Letters
• Conjunct Consonants
• Vowel Markers
• Syllable Structure

  ---

Everyday Phrases

• Greetings and Introductions
• Asking for Directions
• Food and Drink
• Numbers and Time

  ---

Basic Sentence Structure

• Subject Pronouns
• Word Order
• Nouns and Adjectives
• Present Tense Verbs

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Describing People
• Datings
• Work and Professions

  ---

Kerala Culture and Traditions

• The Land of Kerala
• Festivals of Kerala
• Arts and Performances
• Cuisine and Food Traditions

  ---

Future and Past Tenses

• Future Tense Verbs
• Past Tense Verbs
• Compound Sentences
• Noun Cases

  ---

Travel and Accommodation

• Booking a Hotel
• Means of Transport
• Tourist Attractions
• Emergencies

  ---

Malayalam Cinema and Literature

• Golden Era of Malayalam Cinema
• Famous Malayalam Writers and Works
• Malayalam Music

  ---

Advanced Sentence Structures

• Passive Voice
• Conditional Sentences
• Direct and Indirect Speech
• Participles and Infinitives

  ---

Technology and Social Media

• Using Social Media
• Emoticons and Expressions
• Technology and Gadgets
• E-commerce and Banking

Sources

• Active and Passive voice with explanations in Malayalam - YouTube
• Malayalam | South Asia Studies
• Passive voice | OET Essential Grammar Class-2 | Malayalam ...

Other Lessons

• Conjunct Consonants
• Syllable Structure
• Vowel Markers
• 0 to A1 Course
• Direct and Indirect Speech
• Adjectives
• Future Tense Verbs
• Conditional Mood
• How to Use Be

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