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 describe a surprising mismatch between expectation and reality.
Start with the example
。
This bag is durable for how cheap it is.
The result is better than expected for the low price.
Notice the variation
。
He looks energetic for someone who is so busy.
The speaker contrasts heavy busyness with surprising energy.
More detail: how to apply this
〜 means “for …” or “considering …” and shows that the result is different from what would normally be expected.
The mismatch may be positive, negative, or neutral depending on the sentence.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Keep the baseline true while identifying how the outcome differs from what it led you to expect.
Sufficient understanding is the actual favorable result. The writer is not denying that the explanation was short.
、。
Even though the explanation was short, I was able to understand the content well enough.
Keep the baseline true while identifying how the outcome differs from what it led you to expect.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
This bag is durable for how cheap it is.
The result is better than expected for the low price.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- かばん
- bag
- 安い
- cheap; inexpensive
Compare in context
。
He looks energetic for someone who is so busy.
The speaker contrasts heavy busyness with surprising energy.
Vocabulary notes
- 忙しい
- busy
- 元気そう
- looks lively; looks well
Section 2 of 4
Compared with にしては
Compared with
Start with the example
、。
That shop is not very crowded for how famous it is.
The shop’s fame sets an expectation of crowds, but gives a less crowded reality.
Notice the variation
、。
There is a lot to learn from this job considering how simple it is.
sets simplicity against unexpectedly rich learning. It does not mean for that very reason.
More detail: how to apply this
presents a mismatch with an expected degree or outcome.
Use plain verbs or -adjectives directly, -adjectives with , and nouns with : , , , .
often invokes a known category or baseline;
neither pattern has a fixed formal-versus-casual division.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
That shop is not very crowded for how famous it is.
The shop’s fame sets an expectation of crowds, but gives a less crowded reality.
、。
That shop is not very crowded for how famous it is.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: That shop is not very crowded for how famous it is.
Showing Compared with にしては: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
That shop is not very crowded for how famous it is.
The shop’s fame sets an expectation of crowds, but gives a less crowded reality.
Vocabulary notes
- あの
- that; that over there
- あまり
- not very; not much
Preview
、。
There is a lot to learn from this job considering how simple it is.
sets simplicity against unexpectedly rich learning. It does not mean for that very reason.
Section 3 of 4
Reading notes
Keep the baseline true while identifying how the outcome differs from what it led you to expect.
Reading notes
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The short explanation supplies the baseline and an expectation of limited understanding.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When reading 〜, look for the expectation first, then the result.
The sentence is often about contrast, not absolute judgment.
That contrast may also reveal the writer’s attitude.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Even though the explanation was short, I was able to understand the content well enough.
The outcome is better than the short explanation suggested.
、。
Even though the explanation was short, I was able to understand the content well enough.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Even though the explanation was short, I was able to understand the content well enough.
Showing Reading notes: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
Even though the explanation was short, I was able to understand the content well enough.
The outcome is better than the short explanation suggested.
Vocabulary notes
- 内容
- contents; content
- 十分
- enough; sufficient
- できた
- was finished; was made
Preview
、。
Even though my older brother is not good at sports, he walks a lot every day.
The second clause shows a surprising fact for someone bad at sports.
Vocabulary notes
- 毎日
- every day
- よく
- often; well
- 歩く
- to walk
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 .
evaluates an unexpected relationship;
asserts a reason rather than that mismatch.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
evaluates an unexpected relationship; asserts a reason rather than that mismatch.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Small despite the high price / small because of the high price
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.