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 gets acted on
Recognize as the direct object marker.
Start with the example
。
I read a book.
Notice the variation
。
I drink water.
More detail: how to apply this
The particle marks the direct object, the thing the action happens to.
In beginner sentences, the object usually comes before and the verb comes near the end.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Follow back to the object and forward to the action done to it.
means reads. The teacher reads the book; reversing those roles ignores the particles.
。
The teacher reads a book.
Follow back to the object and forward to the action done to it.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I read a book.
Vocabulary notes
- ほん
- book
- よみます
- read
Compare in context
。
I drink water.
Vocabulary notes
- みず
- water
- のみます
- drink (polite)
Compare in context
。
I eat bread.
Vocabulary notes
- パン
- bread
- たべます
- eat
Section 2 of 4
Read the object before the verb
Read the object before the verb
Start with the example
。
I write a letter.
Notice the variation
。
I study Japanese.
More detail: how to apply this
Once you spot , look ahead for the action word.
This makes it easier to read what the speaker writes, studies, reads, or eats.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I write a letter.
In this example, the message is: I write a letter.
。
I write a letter.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I write a letter.
Showing Read the object before the verb: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I write a letter.
Preview
。
I study Japanese.
Vocabulary notes
- べんきょうします
- study
Preview
。
I read a letter.
Vocabulary notes
- よみます
- read
Section 3 of 4
Written を, spoken お
Follow back to the object and forward to the action done to it.
Written を, spoken お
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
makes the teacher the topic. It does not identify what gets read.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
The kana is written , but in normal speech it is usually pronounced o.
Keep reading the whole chunk as object plus action.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
The teacher reads a book.
In this example, the message is: The teacher reads a book.
。
The teacher reads a book.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: The teacher reads a book.
Showing Written を, spoken お: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
The teacher reads a book.
Vocabulary notes
- せんせい
- teacher
- ほん
- book
- よみます
- read
Preview
。
The child eats bread.
Vocabulary notes
- パン
- bread
- たべます
- eat
Preview
。
The cat drinks water.
Vocabulary notes
- ねこ
- cat
- のみます
- drink (polite)
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 role does have?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
What role does have?
marks the eater in the first sentence.
marks the dog as the object of seeing in the second.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
marks the eater in the first sentence. marks the dog as the object of seeing in the second.
Supported meaning: Eater in the first; thing seen in the second
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.