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
Common reported-speech patterns
Recognize common patterns for reported speech and reported information.
Start with the example
、。
Tanaka said that he would be absent tomorrow.
reports what Tanaka had said earlier.
Notice the variation
、。
According to the person in charge, shipping will be on Friday.
Formal reported information.
More detail: how to apply this
Japanese has several ways to report what someone said.
reports what someone had said.
is common in formal messages.
can report hearsay depending on context.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Keep the original speaker, the relay source, and any independent confirmation in separate layers.
tells us the narrator is relaying the teacher’s words. The announcement itself is not confirmed as already completed.
、。
The teacher had said that the results would be announced next week.
Keep the original speaker, the relay source, and any independent confirmation in separate layers.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
Tanaka said that he would be absent tomorrow.
reports what Tanaka had said earlier.
Vocabulary notes
- 田中さん
- Tanaka
Compare in context
、。
According to the person in charge, shipping will be on Friday.
Formal reported information.
Vocabulary notes
- から
- from; because
- 金曜日
- Friday
- になる
- to become
Section 2 of 4
Speaker and reporting layer
Speaker and reporting layer
Start with the example
『』。
My father said, 'You do not need to hurry.'
Direct quote.
Notice the variation
。
My father said that I did not need to hurry.
Indirect quote.
More detail: how to apply this
In reported speech, there are often two voices: the original speaker and the current narrator.
Good readers keep those layers separate.
This matters when judging certainty and responsibility.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
My father said, 'You do not need to hurry.'
Direct quote.
『』。
My father said, 'You do not need to hurry.'
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: My father said, 'You do not need to hurry.'
Showing Speaker and reporting layer: Everyday words.
Target signal
『』。
My father said, 'You do not need to hurry.'
Direct quote.
Vocabulary notes
- いい
- good; nice; okay
- と
- and; with; that
Preview
。
My father said that I did not need to hurry.
Indirect quote.
Section 3 of 4
Reading focus
Keep the original speaker, the relay source, and any independent confirmation in separate layers.
Reading focus
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The teacher is the original speaker, respectfully identified by .
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When a passage includes several people, ask three questions: who originally said it, who is reporting it now, and how certain is the report?
Expressions like , , and often answer part of that question.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
According to the news, there will reportedly be heavy snow tomorrow.
The plain clause before and the source mark hearsay, rather than an appearance-based prediction.
、。
According to the news, there will reportedly be heavy snow tomorrow.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: According to the news, there will reportedly be heavy snow tomorrow.
Showing Reading focus: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
According to the news, there will reportedly be heavy snow tomorrow.
The plain clause before and the source mark hearsay, rather than an appearance-based prediction.
Vocabulary notes
- によると
- according to
- になる
- to become
- そうだ
- it seems; I heard that
Preview
、。
The teacher had said that the results would be announced next week.
Honorific reporting still preserves the original speaker as the source.
Vocabulary notes
- すると
- then; when that happens
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 is the original speaker of ?
More detail: what changes and why
In [], who is the original speaker of ?
The inner and identify ;
the outer statement identifies Tanaka as the relay source.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
The inner and identify ; the outer statement identifies Tanaka as the relay source.
Supported meaning: The department head
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.