Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
The さ row
Read the row and the row smoothly.
sa
shi
su
se
so
This is the row.
Notice the variation
sushi
This common word is a good first check for and together.
More detail: how to apply this
The row looks simple at first, but is one of the first kana that does not match a one-letter romaji expectation.
Train your eye and ear together: , , , , .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Identify the tricky first kana, then keep the rest of the word in order.
The word is tsu-ki, moon. It does not begin with chi, which would be written .
moon
Identify the tricky first kana, then keep the rest of the word in order.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
sa shi su se so
This is the row.
Compare in context
sushi
This common word is a good first check for and together.
Vocabulary notes
- すし
- sushi
Compare in context
outside
Read the word as one sound unit rather than two separate letters.
Vocabulary notes
- そと
- outside
Section 2 of 4
The た row
The row
ta
chi
tsu
te
to
This is the row; and need extra attention.
Notice the variation
tomorrow
This is one of the most useful beginner time words, and it contains .
More detail: how to apply this
The row adds two important shapes: and .
They are high-frequency kana, so it is worth slowing down now and making them automatic early.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
ta chi tsu te to
This is the row; and need extra attention.
ta chi tsu te to
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: ta chi tsu te to
Showing The た row: Everyday words.
Target signal
ta chi tsu te to
This is the row; and need extra attention.
Vocabulary notes
- と
- and; with; that
Preview
tomorrow
This is one of the most useful beginner time words, and it contains .
Vocabulary notes
- あした
- tomorrow
Preview
shoes
This short word is useful for making feel normal in real reading.
Vocabulary notes
- くつ
- shoes
Section 3 of 4
Spot し, ち, and つ quickly
Identify the tricky first kana, then keep the rest of the word in order.
Spot し, ち, and つ quickly
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
is tsu. Compare its curved shape with , shi; these are different kana.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
The fastest way to improve is to see the tricky kana often in real words.
Read the sound block first, then the whole word, and only then think about English.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
map
is chi. The marks on make , zu; those voicing marks are introduced in the next kana-extras lesson. is chi-zu, map.
map
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: map
Showing Spot し, ち, and つ quickly: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
map
is chi. The marks on make , zu; those voicing marks are introduced in the next kana-extras lesson. is chi-zu, map.
Vocabulary notes
- ちず
- map
Preview
moon
This word is useful because appears at the start of the word.
Vocabulary notes
- つき
- moon
Preview
below; under
This word gives you one more quick reading pattern with and .
Vocabulary notes
- した
- did
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
Which sound changes?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
Which sound changes?
is shi-ta and is ki-ta.
The shared keeps the ending ta.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
is shi-ta and is ki-ta. The shared keeps the ending ta.
Which sound changes?
Supported meaning: The first sound: shi versus ki
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.