How do I tell if the に particle is indicating a target or a source?


I'm pretty confused about the `に` particle and I hope to receive some
clarification.

* * *

> 1.彼は私に本をくれました。
>
> 2.私は母にしかられた。

* * *

In the first sentence, the `に` particle is used to indicate the target, which
is `私`. So I know the sentence means _"He gave me the book."_

However, the `に` particle is used to indicate the source in the second
sentence, so it means _"I was scolded by my mother."_

So my question is, how can I tell if the `に` particle is indicating a target
or a source? Do I have to solely rely on context? Or am I having a major
misunderstanding of the particle itself here?




If you are using a passive verb (a verb that ends in られる), に is generally used
as the **Source**. If it's a verb that is not passive (such as 行く), に would be
the **target/destination** particle. Context clues help as well. It makes
sense to eat a McDonald's hamburger (マックを食べる) than to be eaten by one
(マックに食べられる).

