被 (bèi)

被 is the standard passive marker in Mandarin. It introduces the agent (the doer) and signals that the subject receives the action, often one with an unpleasant or unwanted result.

Meanings

[preposition] By (introduces the agent in a passive construction).
[verb] To suffer; to be subjected to.

Example Sentences

我的自行车被偷了。 Wǒ de zìxíngchē bèi tōu le. My bicycle was stolen.

这个问题被解决了。 Zhège wèntí bèi jiějué le. This problem has been solved.

他被老师批评了。 Tā bèi lǎoshī pīpíng le. He was criticized by the teacher.

信被寄出去了。 Xìn bèi jìchūqù le. The letter was sent out.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
被骗	to be deceived
被批评	to be criticized
被选上	to be selected
被允许	to be permitted
被发现	to be discovered

Memory Hook

被 contains 衣 (clothing) on the right: imagine your coat being taken off your back without your consent, a classic passive experience.