Анотація:
Most linguists agree that the main function of bei construction is to express an adverse situation, one in which something negative has happened [Li & Thompson 1981]. Though it is true for more than 50% of the bei sentences, but still there are occurrences with neutral or even positive semantics [Lü Wenhua 1999]. This fact shows us that using adversative connotation we can explain only some bei sentences but not all of them. In this article author uses findings of linguistic analysis of bei construction to argue that the main function of the bei passives is to convey subjective attitude of the speaker, which can vary from negative to positive.