The Positive Passive: ได้รับ
In English, we form passive sentences using the verb "to be" (e.g., "was invited," "is chosen"). Thai handles the passive voice a bit differently, splitting it up based on whether the experience is positive or negative.
When you want to express a formal, positive, or beneficial action happening to a subject—such as being invited, selected, or permitted—you use the verb ได้รับ.
| to receive (obtain, get) | ได้รับ |
Literally meaning "to receive" or "to obtain," you simply place ได้รับ directly in front of an action verb to create this positive passive meaning.
Receiving Abstract Nouns
Beyond action verbs, ได้รับ is frequently paired with abstract nouns to express concepts that English often translates as adjectives or passive states. For example, you can talk about receiving "honor" (เกียรติ) or "trust" (ความไว้วางใจ).
This structure is extremely common when describing something that is well-liked, praised, or widely accepted. You will often hear it used with nouns like "popularity" (ความนิยม), "compliments" (คำชม), or "recognition" (การยอมรับ).
Official Duties and Privileges
Finally, you will hear ได้รับ used frequently in professional, academic, or formal settings. It is the go-to structure for talking about receiving special privileges (สิทธิพิเศษ) or taking on official roles, such as being presented with an award, being appointed (แต่งตั้ง), or being publicly praised (ยกย่อง).
Now you have all the pieces to recognize and use formal, positive passive structures. To tie it all together, you can even use ได้รับ with a noun followed by a related action—such as receiving the honor to do something special.
