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
Three core timings
Match dictionary, , and forms before with the correct timing.
Start with the example
。
I am just about to leave.
Dictionary form + means the action is just about to start.
Notice the variation
。
I am in the middle of eating lunch right now.
marks the action as in progress right now.
More detail: how to apply this
changes meaning depending on the verb form before it.
Dictionary form + means 'about to do.' means 'in the middle of doing.' means 'just finished doing.'
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Read the full form before and the event after it to locate the exact stage and development.
The person contacted the narrator first. The surrounding event explains how the expected calling sequence changed.
、。
Just as I was about to call, the person contacted me.
Read the full form before and the event after it to locate the exact stage and development.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I am just about to leave.
Dictionary form + means the action is just about to start.
Vocabulary notes
- 出かける
- to go out; to leave home
Compare in context
。
I am in the middle of eating lunch right now.
marks the action as in progress right now.
Vocabulary notes
- ちょうど
- just; exactly
Compare in context
、。
I just arrived at the station.
focuses on the exact moment just after completion.
Vocabulary notes
- たった今
- just now
Section 2 of 4
Contrast with たばかり
Contrast with
Start with the example
、。
The meeting has just ended now.
Immediate timing.
Notice the variation
。
The meeting ended just recently.
Still recent, but not necessarily the exact moment.
More detail: how to apply this
often focuses on the exact moment immediately after an action.
can cover a wider stretch of 'just now' and depends more on the speaker's feeling of recency.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
The meeting has just ended now.
Immediate timing.
、。
The meeting has just ended now.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: The meeting has just ended now.
Showing Contrast with たばかり: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
The meeting has just ended now.
Immediate timing.
Preview
。
The meeting ended just recently.
Still recent, but not necessarily the exact moment.
Vocabulary notes
- ばかり
- just; only
Section 3 of 4
Reading focus
Read the full form before and the event after it to locate the exact stage and development.
Reading focus
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The narrator was at the attempt or impending stage of making a call.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Time expressions such as , , and are strong clues.
In dialogue, often helps you understand what stage of an action a speaker is in when another event happens.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Just as I was about to call, the person contacted me.
The second event happens at that exact moment.
、。
Just as I was about to call, the person contacted me.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Just as I was about to call, the person contacted me.
Showing Reading focus: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
Just as I was about to call, the person contacted me.
The second event happens at that exact moment.
Vocabulary notes
- ところ
- place; point; part
- から
- from; because
Preview
、。
I am in the middle of explaining, so please wait a moment.
keeps the reader inside the ongoing action.
Vocabulary notes
- 待ってください
- please wait
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 introduce a discovered result;
describes the current action stage.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
can introduce a discovered result; describes the current action stage.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Found out upon checking / am currently checking
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.