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
Possession with XのY
Read as a linker between nouns.
Start with the example
my book
Notice the variation
Tanaka's bag
More detail: how to apply this
One of the first jobs of is possession.
In beginner Japanese, XY often means “Y of X” or “X's Y,” depending on what sounds natural in English.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Find the final noun in XY; the part before tells you more about it.
is the main noun: a book. is my book, and identifies this object as that book.
。
This is my book.
Find the final noun in XY; the part before tells you more about it.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
my book
Vocabulary notes
- わたし
- I; me
- の
- of; 's
- ほん
- book
Compare in context
Tanaka's bag
Vocabulary notes
- さん
- Mr.; Ms.; polite name suffix
- かばん
- bag
Compare in context
the teacher's notebook
Vocabulary notes
- せんせい
- teacher
- の
- of; 's
- ノート
- notebook
Section 2 of 4
の also links noun ideas
also links noun ideas
Start with the example
the school teacher
Notice the variation
the school library
More detail: how to apply this
does not only show possession.
It can also link two nouns to show place, category, relationship, or belonging.
Read the whole phrase before translating it into English.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
the school teacher
In this example, the message is: the school teacher
the school teacher
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: the school teacher
Showing の also links noun ideas: Everyday words.
Target signal
the school teacher
Vocabulary notes
- がっこう
- school
- せんせい
- teacher
Preview
the school library
Vocabulary notes
- がっこう
- school
Preview
the library book
Vocabulary notes
- ほん
- book
Section 3 of 4
Read the full noun phrase first
Find the final noun in XY; the part before tells you more about it.
Read the full noun phrase first
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
names the owner in this example: me. It is not the main object being identified.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
In full sentences, often creates a chunk inside a larger sentence.
Read that noun phrase first, and then connect it to the rest of the line.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
This is my book.
In this example, the message is: This is my book.
。
This is my book.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: This is my book.
Showing Read the full noun phrase first: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
This is my book.
Vocabulary notes
- これ
- this
- わたし
- I; me
Preview
。
That over there is Tanaka's bag.
Vocabulary notes
- あれ
- that over there
- さん
- Mr.; Ms.; polite name suffix
- かばん
- bag
Preview
。
That book is a library book.
Vocabulary notes
- その
- that
- ほん
- book
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 is the main noun in each phrase?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
What is the main noun in each phrase?
The final noun is the main thing: in the teacher’s book;
in the book’s name or title.
links the preceding noun to that main thing.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
The final noun is the main thing: in the teacher’s book; in the book’s name or title. links the preceding noun to that main thing.
What is the main noun in each phrase?
Supported meaning: A book / a name
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.