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
These forms must go before a noun
Recognize , , and as noun-following forms.
Start with the example
。
This book is mine.
Notice the variation
。
That bag is Tanaka's.
More detail: how to apply this
Unlike , , and , these words must directly modify a noun.
Read them together with the noun as one chunk: , , .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Attach ・・ to the following noun before reading the rest.
says it is mine. The possession is separate from the pointing information in .
。
This bag is mine.
Attach ・・ to the following noun before reading the rest.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
This book is mine.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- わたし
- I; me
- のです
- it is that / explanatory tone
Compare in context
。
That bag is Tanaka's.
Vocabulary notes
- かばん
- bag
- さん
- Mr.; Ms.; polite name suffix
- のです
- it is that / explanatory tone
Compare in context
。
That person over there is a teacher.
Vocabulary notes
- あの
- that; that over there
- せんせい
- teacher
Section 2 of 4
The distance idea stays the same
The distance idea stays the same
Start with the example
。
This notebook is mine.
Notice the variation
。
That book is the teacher's.
More detail: how to apply this
is near the speaker, is near the listener or already known, and is farther away.
The only change is that a noun must come right after the word.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
This notebook is mine.
In this example, the message is: This notebook is mine.
。
This notebook is mine.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: This notebook is mine.
Showing The distance idea stays the same: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
This notebook is mine.
Vocabulary notes
- ノート
- notebook
- わたし
- I; me
- のです
- it is that / explanatory tone
Preview
。
That book is the teacher's.
Vocabulary notes
- その
- that
- せんせい
- teacher
- のです
- it is that / explanatory tone
Preview
。
That book over there is a library book.
Vocabulary notes
- あの
- that; that over there
- ほん
- book
Section 3 of 4
Read the whole noun phrase together
Attach ・・ to the following noun before reading the rest.
Read the whole noun phrase together
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
directly modifies . Together they mean this bag, near the speaker.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Do not separate from or from in your head.
The pointing word and the noun form one unit first, and then the rest of the sentence continues.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
This bag is mine.
In this example, the message is: This bag is mine.
。
This bag is mine.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: This bag is mine.
Showing Read the whole noun phrase together: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
This bag is mine.
Vocabulary notes
- かばん
- bag
- わたし
- I; me
- のです
- it is that / explanatory tone
Preview
。
That person is a student.
Preview
。
That notebook over there is Tanaka's.
Vocabulary notes
- あの
- that; that over there
- ノート
- notebook
- のです
- it is that / explanatory tone
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Your turn · decide before revealing
Choose the complete phrase meaning this bag.
More detail: what changes and why
Choose the complete phrase meaning this bag.
modifies a following noun.
stands alone, as in .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
modifies a following noun. stands alone, as in .
Choose the complete phrase meaning this bag.
Supported meaning: この かばん
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.