Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 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 3
Find the head noun first
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.
Target signal
私が昨日図書館で借りた本
the book that I borrowed at the library yesterday
Wait for the head noun 本 before translating the details.
Vocabulary notes
- 図書館
- library
- 昨日
- yesterday
- が
- subject marker
Compare in context
駅の前で毎朝パンを売っている店
the shop that sells bread every morning in front of the station
The long clause modifies 店, not the whole sentence.
Vocabulary notes
- ている
- to be doing; to be in a resulting state
- いる
- to exist; to be
- って
- colloquial quoting or topic particle
Section 2 of 3
Chunk the modifier
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.
Target signal
留学生向けに書かれた詳しい説明書
a detailed guide written for international students
Passive written information is packed before 説明書.
Vocabulary notes
- 留学生
- international student
- 詳しい
- detailed; familiar with
- 説明書
- instruction manual
Preview
先月会社を辞めて地方に引っ越した友人
a friend who quit their company last month and moved to the countryside
Time and two actions both sit inside the modifier for 友人.
Vocabulary notes
- した
- did
- 会社
- company; office
- 先月
- last month
Section 3 of 3
Reading focus
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.
Target signal
市が新しく建てた子ども向けの施設
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
- 子ども
- child; children
- 向け
- for; intended for
Preview
私たちが長い間待っていた連絡
the message that we had been waiting for a long time
The noun 連絡 comes last; everything before it describes it.
Vocabulary notes
- たち
- plural suffix for people or animals
- いた
- was there
- たち
- plural marker; people such as ...