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
Contrast Use
Use 〜 for comparison and contrast.
Start with the example
、。
Whereas the older brother is good at math, the younger brother is good at language arts.
The phrase sets up a clear contrast.
Notice the variation
、。
In contrast to urban areas, the regional areas are losing population.
The comparison is formal and written in tone.
More detail: how to apply this
One important use of 〜 is to compare one thing with another.
In this use, it often means 'in contrast to' or 'whereas.'
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Use the following action to distinguish a target of response from a contrast between two sides.
confirms the directed-response meaning. There are not two competing factual descriptions to compare here.
。
The company responded immediately to the question.
Use the following action to distinguish a target of response from a contrast between two sides.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
Whereas the older brother is good at math, the younger brother is good at language arts.
The phrase sets up a clear contrast.
Vocabulary notes
- 国語
- Japanese language class; Japanese
Compare in context
、。
In contrast to urban areas, the regional areas are losing population.
The comparison is formal and written in tone.
Section 2 of 4
Target of Attitude or Action
Target of Attitude or Action
Start with the example
。
That is a rude way to speak to a customer.
The customer is the target of the attitude.
Notice the variation
。
The company responded immediately to the question.
The question is the target of the response.
More detail: how to apply this
〜 can also mark the target of an attitude, response, or action directed at someone or something.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
That is a rude way to speak to a customer.
The customer is the target of the attitude.
。
That is a rude way to speak to a customer.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: That is a rude way to speak to a customer.
Showing Target of Attitude or Action: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
That is a rude way to speak to a customer.
The customer is the target of the attitude.
Vocabulary notes
- お客様
- customer; guest (polite)
- 言い方
- way of saying; expression
Preview
。
The company responded immediately to the question.
The question is the target of the response.
Vocabulary notes
- すぐ
- right away; immediately
- した
- did
Section 3 of 4
Reading Use
Use the following action to distinguish a target of response from a contrast between two sides.
Reading Use
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The company is the actor responding.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
In formal passages, is common because it can express either contrast or directed relation.
Use the surrounding verb or adjective to decide which meaning is intended.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Whereas there were many opinions in favor, there were few opposed opinions.
The phrase marks contrast.
、。
Whereas there were many opinions in favor, there were few opposed opinions.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Whereas there were many opinions in favor, there were few opposed opinions.
Showing Reading Use: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
Whereas there were many opinions in favor, there were few opposed opinions.
The phrase marks contrast.
Vocabulary notes
- 多い
- many; much
Preview
。
There is a need to explain things carefully to children.
The phrase marks the target group.
Vocabulary notes
- 子ども
- child; children
- 説明する
- to explain
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 .
can mark a target of behavior;
clause can introduce contrast.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
can mark a target of behavior; clause can introduce contrast.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Attitude toward a recipient / contrast between people
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.