In English, we say things like “This book was written by the author.” In Japanese, the equivalent is によって—used in passive sentences to show who or what performed the action. Let’s look at how to use によって with passive verbs.
によって
“By” (in passive voice)
JLPT Level: N3
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How to Use It
Use によって when you want to say who did something in a passive sentence. This structure is common in written Japanese and formal speech, especially when the subject is less important than the action itself.
You’ll usually see this form with verbs like 書かれる (to be written), 作られる (to be made), or 言われる (to be said).
Usage Pattern
[Thing] は + [Agent] によって + [Passive Verb]
Example 1
あの小説は有名な作家によって書かれた。
あの しょうせつ は ゆうめい な さっか に よって かかれた。
Ano shōsetsu wa yūmei na sakka ni yotte kakareta.
That novel was written by a famous author.
Example 2
この机は祖父によって作られました。
この つくえ は そふ に よって つくられました。
Kono tsukue wa sofu ni yotte tsukuraremashita.
This desk was made by my grandfather.
Example 3
その絵は子どもたちによって描かれました。
その え は こどもたち に よって えがかれました。
Sono e wa kodomotachi ni yotte egakaremashita.
The painting was drawn by the children.
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