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
What です does
Recognize as the polite sentence ending in basic statements.
Start with the example
。
This is a book.
Notice the variation
。
I am a student.
More detail: how to apply this
is the polite ending you see again and again in beginner Japanese.
It often closes a short statement that labels, identifies, or describes something.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Read noun + together as the identification, then check whether the ending changes it.
identifies the place politely. There is no final asking for confirmation.
。
This place is a library.
Read noun + together as the identification, then check whether the ending changes it.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
This is a book.
Vocabulary notes
- これ
- this
- ほん
- book
Compare in context
。
I am a student.
Vocabulary notes
- わたし
- I; me
Compare in context
。
That over there is a car.
Vocabulary notes
- あれ
- that over there
Section 2 of 4
Topic plus label
Topic plus label
Start with the example
。
Tanaka is a teacher.
Notice the variation
。
This is a notebook.
More detail: how to apply this
Many beginner lines use a simple pattern: topic first, label at the end.
Once you spot that frame, the sentence feels much more predictable.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Tanaka is a teacher.
In this example, the message is: Tanaka is a teacher.
。
Tanaka is a teacher.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Tanaka is a teacher.
Showing Topic plus label: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
Tanaka is a teacher.
Vocabulary notes
- さん
- Mr.; Ms.; polite name suffix
- せんせい
- teacher
Preview
。
This is a notebook.
Vocabulary notes
- これ
- this
- ノート
- notebook
Preview
。
Today is a day off.
Vocabulary notes
- きょう
- today
- やすみ
- closed; day off
Section 3 of 4
Read the ending as one chunk
Read noun + together as the identification, then check whether the ending changes it.
Read the ending as one chunk
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
introduces this place. The sentence is about where the speaker is pointing or standing.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Do not stop after every character.
Keep going until the sentence-ending , then take the line as one whole polite statement.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
This place is a library.
In this example, the message is: This place is a library.
。
This place is a library.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: This place is a library.
Showing Read the ending as one chunk: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
This place is a library.
Vocabulary notes
- ここ
- here
Preview
。
That is a pen.
Vocabulary notes
- それ
- that
- ペン
- pen
Preview
。
Today is a test day.
Vocabulary notes
- きょう
- today
- テスト
- test
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
What changes?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
What changes?
identifies;
negates the identification.
Neither nor a past form appears.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
identifies; negates the identification. Neither nor a past form appears.
What changes?
Supported meaning: The second denies that this is a book
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.