được (bị động)

Use được when the subject receives a benefit (like being praised or promoted) or for emotionally neutral facts (like a house being built). If the outcome is negative (like being scolded or getting sick), you must use Passive For Something Unwelcome instead. Note that both được and bị can also attach directly to adjectives or intransitive verbs to mean 'to be blessed with' or 'to suffer from' a condition.

Structure:
When an agent (the doer) is involved, it traditionally and most naturally goes directly between được and the verb: Subject + được + Agent + Verb. In modern formal writing or translated texts, you might also see the agent placed at the end using bởi (by), but the traditional structure is highly recommended for natural speech.

• Without an agent: Tôi được khen. (I was praised.)
• With an agent: Tôi được sếp khen. (I was praised by the boss.)

Important Notes:
1. While được is widely used for neutral statements in formal speech and writing (e.g., Ngôi nhà này được xây dựng vào năm 2020), everyday spoken Vietnamese often drops the passive marker entirely for neutral facts involving inanimate subjects (e.g., Nhà này xây năm 2020). However, you cannot drop it with animate subjects, as it changes the meaning to active voice (e.g., dropping it from Tôi được khen makes it Tôi khen - I praised someone).
2. được can also function as a main verb meaning 'to get' or 'to receive', as seen in Receiving Something Good (e.g., Tôi được quà - I received a gift).
3. Do not confuse the passive được with its other functions: when placed before a verb where the subject is the doer of the action, it means 'may', 'be allowed to' (May / Be Allowed To), or 'to get to / have the opportunity to' (e.g., Tôi được đi du lịch - I get to travel). When placed after a verb, it indicates ability or a successful outcome (Can (managed to)). Additionally, được is commonly used on its own as an adjective meaning 'okay', 'fine', or 'acceptable' (e.g., Dạ được, Cũng được).
4. The choice between được and bị is highly subjective and depends entirely on the speaker's attitude toward the event. The exact same action can take either marker. For example: Tôi được mẹ cho ăn rau (Positive, I like vegetables) vs. Tôi bị mẹ cho ăn rau (Negative, I hate vegetables).