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
Common position words
Recognize common position words such as , , , , and
Start with the example
on the desk / above the desk
marks a higher position such as on or above.
Notice the variation
in front of the house
marks the front side of something.
More detail: how to apply this
Japanese often builds location phrases with a noun, then , then a position word.
This creates meanings such as on, under, in front of, behind, and inside.
These words are extremely common in beginner reading.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Keep landmark + + position together, then identify what occupies that position.
identifies the park that exists there. The park is behind the library.
。
There is a park behind the library.
Keep landmark + + position together, then identify what occupies that position.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
on the desk / above the desk
marks a higher position such as on or above.
Vocabulary notes
- の
- of; 's
Compare in context
in front of the house
marks the front side of something.
Vocabulary notes
- いえ
- house
- の
- of; 's
- まえ
- before
Section 2 of 4
Reading full location phrases
Reading full location phrases
Start with the example
。
There is a cat under the chair.
is the location chunk before .
Notice the variation
。
The bag is on the bed.
tells you where the bag is.
More detail: how to apply this
Position phrases often appear before in existence sentences.
Read the phrase as one chunk, then connect it to or .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
There is a cat under the chair.
is the location chunk before .
。
There is a cat under the chair.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: There is a cat under the chair.
Showing Reading full location phrases: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
There is a cat under the chair.
is the location chunk before .
Vocabulary notes
- いす
- chair
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
Preview
。
The bag is on the bed.
tells you where the bag is.
Vocabulary notes
- かばん
- bag
- ベッド
- bed
- あります
- there is; there are
Section 3 of 4
Chunk the whole location phrase
Keep landmark + + position together, then identify what occupies that position.
Chunk the whole location phrase
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
is the landmark. means behind it; keep the two together.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Do not separate the position word too early.
Read noun + + position word together first, then move to and the existence verb.
This makes beginner location sentences much easier to scan.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
There is a park behind the library.
is one complete location phrase.
。
There is a park behind the library.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: There is a park behind the library.
Showing Chunk the whole location phrase: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
There is a park behind the library.
is one complete location phrase.
Vocabulary notes
- こうえん
- park
- あります
- there is; there are
Preview
。
There is a pen inside the bag.
means inside, so read as one chunk.
Vocabulary notes
- かばん
- bag
- ペン
- pen
- あります
- there is; there are
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?
and are opposite vertical positions.
links each position to .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
and are opposite vertical positions. links each position to .
What changes?
Supported meaning: Above/on the box versus below it
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.