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 long vowel mark ー
Notice how ー stretches the vowel sound before it.
supermarket
Notice the variation
mail / email
More detail: how to apply this
The long vowel mark ー stretches the sound before it.
A word with ー is not just longer on the page;
the sound itself is held a little longer.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Locate each ー and extend only the vowel immediately before it.
finishes the word: te-e-bu-ru. The long vowel belongs near the start, not at the end.
table
Locate each ー and extend only the vowel immediately before it.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
supermarket
Vocabulary notes
- スーパー
- supermarket
Compare in context
mail / email
Vocabulary notes
- メール
- email; mail
Compare in context
coffee
Vocabulary notes
- コーヒー
- coffee
Section 2 of 4
Common long-vowel words
Common long-vowel words
cake
Notice the variation
game
More detail: how to apply this
Many high-frequency katakana words use the long vowel mark.
The goal is to recognize the shape quickly and hear the stretched vowel in your head.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
cake
In this example, the message is: cake
cake
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: cake
Showing Common long-vowel words: Everyday words.
Target signal
cake
Vocabulary notes
- ケーキ
- cake
Preview
game
Vocabulary notes
- ゲーム
- game
Preview
taxi
Vocabulary notes
- タクシー
- taxi
Section 3 of 4
Read mixed katakana shapes smoothly
Locate each ー and extend only the vowel immediately before it.
Read mixed katakana shapes smoothly
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
holds the e vowel for another beat: te-e. The bar copies the preceding vowel.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Some common words have ー and some do not.
Check where the long vowel mark appears instead of assuming that every katakana word stretches the same way.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
table
In this example, the message is: table
table
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: table
Showing Read mixed katakana shapes smoothly: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
table
Vocabulary notes
- テーブル
- table
Preview
notebook
Vocabulary notes
- ノート
- notebook
Preview
hotel
Vocabulary notes
- ホテル
- hotel
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Read the example
and
Your turn · decide before revealing
What does ー do?
More detail: what changes and why
In and , what does ー do?
After it extends e;
after it extends o;
after it extends i.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
After it extends e; after it extends o; after it extends i.
ー
Supported meaning: Extends the vowel immediately before it
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.