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
Core Meaning
Use 〜 to mark the topic of discussion or thought.
Start with the example
。
I am researching Japanese education.
The phrase marks the topic of research.
Notice the variation
。
At the meeting, we discussed the new plan.
The phrase introduces the issue under discussion.
More detail: how to apply this
Noun + means 'about,' 'regarding,' or 'concerning.' It is common in formal speech, lessons, articles, and essays.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Use to narrow the subject matter, and do not confuse a question topic with a research finding.
reports asking about it. It does not supply the answers or claim that every commuter has the same travel time.
、。
In this survey, we also asked about commuting time.
Use to narrow the subject matter, and do not confuse a question topic with a research finding.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I am researching Japanese education.
The phrase marks the topic of research.
Vocabulary notes
- について
- about; regarding
Compare in context
。
At the meeting, we discussed the new plan.
The phrase introduces the issue under discussion.
Vocabulary notes
- 新しい
- new
- について
- about; regarding
Section 2 of 4
Common Patterns
Common Patterns
Start with the example
。
What do you think about this problem?
A common spoken pattern.
Notice the variation
。
I read a book about environmental issues.
This is the noun-modifying pattern.
More detail: how to apply this
〜 often appears with verbs such as , , , , and .
It also forms 〜 + noun in written language.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
What do you think about this problem?
A common spoken pattern.
。
What do you think about this problem?
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: What do you think about this problem?
Showing Common Patterns: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
What do you think about this problem?
A common spoken pattern.
Vocabulary notes
- について
- about; regarding
Preview
。
I read a book about environmental issues.
This is the noun-modifying pattern.
Vocabulary notes
- について
- about; regarding
Section 3 of 4
Reading Use
Use to narrow the subject matter, and do not confuse a question topic with a research finding.
Reading Use
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The survey is the setting for the reported research action.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Because 〜 clearly marks the topic, it is a helpful guide in longer texts.
When you see it, identify what exact issue the writer is narrowing the discussion to.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Debates about foreign-language education have become even more active in recent years.
The phrase sets the scope of the paragraph.
、。
Debates about foreign-language education have become even more active in recent years.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Debates about foreign-language education have become even more active in recent years.
Showing Reading Use: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
Debates about foreign-language education have become even more active in recent years.
The phrase sets the scope of the paragraph.
Vocabulary notes
- について
- about; regarding
Preview
、。
In this survey, we also asked about commuting time.
The topic is presented as one item in a larger study.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- について
- about; regarding
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
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
marks subject matter;
marks where an action occurs.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
marks subject matter; marks where an action occurs.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Speak about Japan / speak in Japan
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.