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
Reported Information
Use for reported information and for 'typical of' meanings.
Start with the example
、。
According to the weather forecast, apparently it will snow tomorrow.
The speaker is reporting indirect information.
Notice the variation
。
Apparently Tanaka is moving next week.
The speaker heard this somewhere.
More detail: how to apply this
One common use of is 'apparently' or 'I hear that....' The information usually comes from what the speaker has heard, read, or indirectly learned.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Decide whether describes a fitting quality or passes along an uncertain proposition.
supplies the quality that fits that image. This is not a report from a source claiming today’s date is in spring.
。
Today is a warm day that feels truly spring-like.
Decide whether describes a fitting quality or passes along an uncertain proposition.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
According to the weather forecast, apparently it will snow tomorrow.
The speaker is reporting indirect information.
Vocabulary notes
- によると
- according to
Compare in context
。
Apparently Tanaka is moving next week.
The speaker heard this somewhere.
Vocabulary notes
- 田中さん
- Tanaka
- 引っ越す
- to move house
Section 2 of 4
Typicality and Character
Typicality and Character
Start with the example
。
He speaks in a way that is really teacher-like.
This describes what fits the image of a teacher.
Notice the variation
。
Today is a warm day that feels truly spring-like.
The word suggests a quality typical of spring.
More detail: how to apply this
For typicality, commonly follows a noun naming a role, person, or season: , .
It describes a quality fitting that image.
This differs from inference after a proposition, as in or .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
He speaks in a way that is really teacher-like.
This describes what fits the image of a teacher.
。
He speaks in a way that is really teacher-like.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: He speaks in a way that is really teacher-like.
Showing Typicality and Character: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
He speaks in a way that is really teacher-like.
This describes what fits the image of a teacher.
Vocabulary notes
- 本当に
- really; truly
- 先生
- teacher; instructor; doctor
- する
- to do
Preview
。
Today is a warm day that feels truly spring-like.
The word suggests a quality typical of spring.
Vocabulary notes
- 今日
- today
- 暖かい
- warm
Section 3 of 4
Reading Tip
Decide whether describes a fitting quality or passes along an uncertain proposition.
Reading Tip
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
Today is the day actually being described.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When you meet , ask whether it means 'apparently' or 'characteristic of.' The surrounding sentence usually makes this clear.
Information sources point to hearsay;
descriptive nouns point to typicality.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Rumor has it that the owner of this shop used to be a chef.
This is hearsay.
、。
Rumor has it that the owner of this shop used to be a chef.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Rumor has it that the owner of this shop used to be a chef.
Showing Reading Tip: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
Rumor has it that the owner of this shop used to be a chef.
This is hearsay.
Vocabulary notes
- では
- well then; in; by means of
- この
- this
- 店主
- shop owner
Preview
。
A free, childlike way of thinking is important.
This is typicality.
Vocabulary notes
- 子ども
- child; children
- が
- subject marker
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 differs?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and 、.
What differs?
The first evaluates a typical quality.
In the second, possession of a student ID provides evidence for an inference about status.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
The first evaluates a typical quality. In the second, possession of a student ID provides evidence for an inference about status.
What differs?
Supported meaning: Student-like clothing / an inference that the person is a student
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.