言われた
iwareta
In Japanese, "I was told" is said as 言われた (iwareta).
This phrase is used to report information that someone else provided to the speaker. To report the specific content of what was said, you mark that content with the particle と (to) before 言われた. To identify the person who told you something, use the particle に (ni) before 言われた.
What does it mean word for word?
The form 言われた is the passive voice of the verb 言う (iu, to say), which literally means "was said" or "was told".
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form or non-past form is 言われる, which is used to say "I am told" or "I get told". In more polite situations, you should use the polite past form 言われました.
How do you pronounce it?
iwareta
Did you know?
- In Japanese, using the passive form 言われた can sometimes imply that you were 'victimised' by what was said. It often carries a subtle nuance that the words were unwelcome or imposed upon you against your will.
- While English speakers use 'I was told' to sound objective, a Japanese speaker might use the passive 言われた to avoid taking personal responsibility for the information. This allows them to distance themselves from the truth or accuracy of the statement.
- If you want to say 'I was told' in a very respectful way to a superior, you would not use the standard passive form. Instead, you would use a different honorific verb entirely, such as おっしゃられました or 伺いました, depending on your relationship.
Examples in context
- 私は暫く待つように言われた。I was told to wait for a while.This sentence uses the form 言われた to report an instruction to wait.Tatoeba #156643 by bunbuku, translation #257891 by CK
- 私は言われたとおりにしただけです。I only did as I was told.This sentence uses the form 言われた to describe following instructions.Tatoeba #157245 by bunbuku, translation #257288 by CK
- トムにツイートが大学1年生みたいって言われた。I was told by Tom that my tweets sound like those of a college freshman.This sentence uses the form 言われた to report what Tom said.Tatoeba #3098453 by tommy_san, translation #6618186 by jasmaa
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiyori and Kenta are talking about a company meeting.
- 陽葵 Himari明日の会議はキャンセルだって言われたよ。Ashita no kaigi wa kyanseru datte iwareta yo.I was told that tomorrow's meeting is canceled.
- 健太 Kenta本当？誰に言われたの？Hontō? Dare ni iwareta no?Really? Who told you?
- 陽葵 Himari課長にメールで言われたの。Kachō ni mēru de iwareta no.I was told by the section manager via email.
- 健太 Kentaそっか。じゃあ、明日はゆっくりできるね。Sokka. Jā, ashita wa yukkuri dekiru ne.I see. Well, we can take it easy tomorrow then.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
