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
Add か to ask
Recognize as a common question marker at the end of polite sentences.
Start with the example
。
Is this a pen?
Notice the variation
。
Is Tanaka a teacher?
More detail: how to apply this
In basic polite Japanese, you can often turn a statement into a question by adding at the end.
The rest of the sentence may stay almost the same.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Finish at before deciding whether a statement is being asserted or questioned.
Final asks whether that identification is correct. The sentence alone does not confirm a library is here.
。
Is this the library?
Finish at before deciding whether a statement is being asserted or questioned.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
Is this a pen?
Vocabulary notes
- これ
- this
- ペン
- pen
Compare in context
。
Is Tanaka a teacher?
Vocabulary notes
- さん
- Mr.; Ms.; polite name suffix
- せんせい
- teacher
Compare in context
。
Is today a day off?
Vocabulary notes
- きょう
- today
- やすみ
- closed; day off
Section 2 of 4
Yes and no answers
Yes and no answers
Start with the example
、。
Yes, it is a pen.
Notice the variation
、。
No, [they] are not a teacher.
More detail: how to apply this
Beginner answers are short and repetitive on purpose.
Repeating part of the sentence helps you stay inside the Japanese pattern.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Yes, it is a pen.
In this example, the message is: Yes, it is a pen.
、。
Yes, it is a pen.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Yes, it is a pen.
Showing Yes and no answers: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
Yes, it is a pen.
Vocabulary notes
- はい
- yes
- ペン
- pen
Preview
、。
No, [they] are not a teacher.
Vocabulary notes
- せんせい
- teacher
- ではありません
- is not; am not; are not
Preview
、。
Yes, it is a day off.
Vocabulary notes
- はい
- yes
- やすみ
- closed; day off
Section 3 of 4
Check the sentence end first
Finish at before deciding whether a statement is being asserted or questioned.
Check the sentence end first
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
sets this place as the topic. Keep the location in mind.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When you are unsure whether a line is a statement or a question, look at the end.
The final gives you the answer quickly.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Is that a book?
In this example, the message is: Is that a book?
。
Is that a book?
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Is that a book?
Showing Check the sentence end first: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
Is that a book?
Vocabulary notes
- それ
- that
- ほん
- book
Preview
。
Is this the library?
Vocabulary notes
- ここ
- here
- か
- question marker; or
Preview
、。
Yes, it is the library.
Vocabulary notes
- はい
- yes
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 does final change?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
What does final change?
asks whether someone is a student;
does not mark tense or negation.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
asks whether someone is a student; does not mark tense or negation.
Supported meaning: An identification becomes a question
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.