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
Understand how 〜 and 〜 relay reported information.
Start with the example
、。
According to the weather forecast, it will snow tomorrow.
The information comes from a source, not from the speaker's direct observation.
Notice the variation
。
I heard that the department manager will be a little late.
is common in announcements, messages, and polite relaying of information.
More detail: how to apply this
Use these patterns when you are passing along information from another source.
In English, the meaning is often “I heard that …”, “it says that …”, or “according to the report …”.
The speaker is not presenting the statement as direct personal knowledge.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Identify the original source, the content relayed, and any details the report leaves unspecified.
relays that information in a message-like register. It does not make the narrator the person who decided the change.
、。
In an email from Ms. Yamamoto, it said that the meeting start time had changed.
Identify the original source, the content relayed, and any details the report leaves unspecified.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
According to the weather forecast, it will snow tomorrow.
The information comes from a source, not from the speaker's direct observation.
Vocabulary notes
- によると
- according to
- ということだ
- I hear that; it means that
Compare in context
。
I heard that the department manager will be a little late.
is common in announcements, messages, and polite relaying of information.
Vocabulary notes
- 遅れる
- to be late
- こと
- thing; matter; fact
Section 2 of 4
Form and nuance
Form and nuance
Start with the example
。
They say reception closes at six o'clock.
is the plain-form content before . The final makes the report polite.
Notice the variation
。
I was told that Mr. Tanaka is absent today.
This sounds like relayed information from a prior conversation or notice.
More detail: how to apply this
Attach the pattern to a full clause in plain form. 〜 is a straightforward way to report content. 〜 often sounds slightly more formal, written, or message-like, especially in workplace or notice contexts.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
They say reception closes at six o'clock.
is the plain-form content before . The final makes the report polite.
。
They say reception closes at six o'clock.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: They say reception closes at six o'clock.
Showing Form and nuance: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
They say reception closes at six o'clock.
is the plain-form content before . The final makes the report polite.
Vocabulary notes
- すると
- then; when that happens
Preview
。
I was told that Mr. Tanaka is absent today.
This sounds like relayed information from a prior conversation or notice.
Vocabulary notes
- こと
- thing; matter; fact
Section 3 of 4
Reading notes
Identify the original source, the content relayed, and any details the report leaves unspecified.
Reading notes
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
Yamamoto’s email is the source through which the narrator received the information.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
In reading passages, this grammar often appears with source markers such as , , , or .
Pay attention to who originally provided the information.
That source relationship is often the main reading skill this lesson trains.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
According to the notice, the library will begin renovation work next week.
Notice-style writing often uses this pattern.
、。
According to the notice, the library will begin renovation work next week.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: According to the notice, the library will begin renovation work next week.
Showing Reading notes: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
According to the notice, the library will begin renovation work next week.
Notice-style writing often uses this pattern.
Vocabulary notes
- お知らせ
- notice; announcement
- によると
- according to
- ということだ
- I hear that; it means that
Preview
、。
In an email from Ms. Yamamoto, it said that the meeting start time had changed.
Look for clues showing where the information came from.
Vocabulary notes
- メール
- email; mail
- 開始時間
- start time
- とのことだ
- I heard that; it is said that
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?
relays information from reception.
In , the closure becomes a premise for reasoning about borrowing today;
not every construction is hearsay.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
relays information from reception. In , the closure becomes a premise for reasoning about borrowing today; not every construction is hearsay.
What changes?
Supported meaning: A relayed closure report / a consequence drawn from that closure
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.