為...所...

Classical Passive

Level 6

The 為...所... (wai4... so2...) pattern is a high-register passive voice marker. It is used in formal writing, speeches, and idioms to describe being influenced, constrained, or recognized by an external force or agent.

How It Works

1. Literary Register:
This pattern originates from Classical Chinese. In modern Cantonese, it is strictly reserved for literary contexts, formal oratory, or set idioms. Using it in casual conversation or with colloquial verbs creates a 'register clash' that sounds unnatural.

2. Structural Requirements:

  • Tone: 為 must be pronounced in the 4th tone (wai4, low falling). Pronouncing it as wai6 (6th tone) changes the meaning to 'for'.
  • Mandatory Agent: You must specify who or what is performing the action. If the agent is general (e.g., 'people'), use 人 (jan4).
  • Verb Length: While disyllabic verbs (e.g., 熟識 suk6 sik1) are preferred for rhythm, monosyllabic verbs are standard in established idioms like 為人所知 (wai4 jan4 so2 zi1).
  • Negation: To maintain register consistency, negators like 未 (mei6) or 不 (bat1) are used. The colloquial 唔 (m4) is generally avoided with this specific classical structure.

3. Nuance:
While 畀 (bei2) often implies a negative or accidental event, 為...所... is neutral and carries a sense of gravity or inevitability. It is frequently used with abstract concepts like 'fame', 'circumstances', or 'the public'.

Examples (4)

  1. 呢項發現為世人所熟識。

    This discovery is well-known by the people of the world.

    Word by Word: This item discovery by world-people [passive-marker] familiar.

    This uses the formal verb 熟識 (suk6 sik1) to describe public recognition.

  2. 佢不想為名利所誘。

    He does not wish to be tempted by fame and fortune.

    Word by Word: He not wish by fame-profit [passive-marker] tempt.

    名利 (ming4 lei6) is a common abstract agent. Note the use of the formal negator 不 (bat1) to match the literary register of 為...所... (wai4... so2...).

  3. 真相終會為人所共知。

    The truth will eventually be known to all.

    Word by Word: Truth eventually will by people [passive-marker] common know.

    為人所共知 (wai4 jan4 so2 gung6 zi1) is a common formal expression meaning 'known by everyone'.

  4. 佢成日都為情所困。

    He is always trapped by his feelings.

    Word by Word: He always all by emotion [passive-marker] trapped.

    為情所困 (wai4 cing4 so2 kwan3) is a classic four-character expression describing being troubled by love or emotions.

Common Mistakes

  • Using colloquial verbs with this formal pattern.

    佢為人所搞。
    佢為人所害。

    搞 (gaau2) is too colloquial for this classical structure. Use a formal verb like 害 (hoi6 - 'harmed') or 影響 (jing2 hoeng2 - 'influenced') instead.

  • Using the wrong tone for 為.

    佢為(wai6)名利所困。
    佢為(wai4)名利所困。

    In this passive construction, 為 must be 4th tone (wai4). The 6th tone (wai6) means 'for' or 'because of'.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

為...所...Level 6Classical Passive

Learn This First

The '為...所...' pattern is a formal, classical passive construction. To understand it, learners should already be familiar with the colloquial passive (畀), the formal use of '為' in other structures, and the classical nominalizing function of '所'.

Words in This Pattern

为所