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
Find the head noun first
Find the head noun that comes after a long modifier.
First action inside the description
Second action inside the same description
Head noun ← both actions describe this friend
Find the head noun, attach the internal actions to it, and avoid inventing a main predicate for an unfinished phrase.
More detail: how to apply this
In Japanese, long relative clauses come before the noun they modify.
A good strategy is to wait for the head noun instead of trying to translate too early.
Once you find the noun, the earlier clause becomes much easier to interpret.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Find the head noun, attach the internal actions to it, and avoid inventing a main predicate for an unfinished phrase.
is the head noun: a friend who quit and moved. This is still a noun phrase, so any main sentence action would come afterward.
a friend who quit their company last month and moved to the countryside
Find the head noun, attach the internal actions to it, and avoid inventing a main predicate for an unfinished phrase.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
the book that I borrowed at the library yesterday
Wait for the head noun before translating the details.
Vocabulary notes
- が
- subject marker
- 昨日
- yesterday
- 図書館
- library
Compare in context
the shop that sells bread every morning in front of the station
The long clause modifies , not the whole sentence.
Section 2 of 4
Chunk the modifier
Chunk the modifier
Start with the example
a detailed guide written for international students
Passive written information is packed before .
Notice the variation
a friend who quit their company last month and moved to the countryside
Time and two actions both sit inside the modifier for .
More detail: how to apply this
Break long modifiers into time, place, subject, and action.
This keeps the phrase from feeling like one giant block.
At N3, this skill is more important than translating every word immediately.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
a detailed guide written for international students
Passive written information is packed before .
a detailed guide written for international students
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: a detailed guide written for international students
Showing Chunk the modifier: Everyday words.
Target signal
a detailed guide written for international students
Passive written information is packed before .
Vocabulary notes
- 留学生
- international student
- 詳しい
- detailed; familiar with
- 説明書
- instruction manual
Preview
a friend who quit their company last month and moved to the countryside
Time and two actions both sit inside the modifier for .
Vocabulary notes
- 先月
- last month
- 会社
- company; office
Section 3 of 4
Reading focus
Find the head noun, attach the internal actions to it, and avoid inventing a main predicate for an unfinished phrase.
Reading focus
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The first part gives a past time and an action, quitting the company last month. The person is not named until the head noun.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When a passage becomes hard, circle the head noun mentally and then ask what information comes before it: who, when, where, and what kind of action.
Relative clauses often carry key details in article-style writing.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
the children's facility that the city newly built
The city is the subject inside the relative clause.
the children's facility that the city newly built
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: the children's facility that the city newly built
Showing Reading focus: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
the children's facility that the city newly built
The city is the subject inside the relative clause.
Vocabulary notes
- 子ども向け
- for children; aimed at children
Preview
the message that we had been waiting for a long time
The noun comes last; everything before it describes it.
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Read the example
[[]]
Your turn · decide before revealing
Who introduced the book?
More detail: what changes and why
In [[]], who introduced the book?
modifies ;
modifies .
The main action is meeting that teacher.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
modifies ; modifies . The main action is meeting that teacher.
Who introduced the book?
Supported meaning: The teacher
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.