JLPT N3 grammar

〜と言われるmeaning and usage

Meaning

(I) was told by A to do(n't) B

How to form it

  • personにverb (imperative form)と言われる
  • personにverb (dictionary form)なと言われる
  • personにverb (dictionary form)/verb (nai-form)ように言われる

How it is used

Uses the passive to report an order or request someone made to you: 'I was told (not) to A'. Quoting the original command (「〜ろ」, 「〜な」) sounds direct; 「〜ように言われる」 is softer.

Examples

  1. 門限は守れと厳しく言われる。

    I'm sternly told to observe my curfew.

  2. 父に、早く寝ろと言われた。

    My dad told me to go to bed early.

  3. 先生に、廊下を走るなと言われました。

    The teacher told us not to run in the hallway.