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
Written style vs spoken style
Recognize signals of written and spoken style.
Start with the example
、。
However, the number of users is decreasing.
Written-style connector.
Notice the variation
、。
But fewer people are using it, you know.
Spoken-style connector plus contraction.
More detail: how to apply this
Formal expository writing often uses explicit structure, formal connectors, and fewer contractions.
Casual messages can use the same omissions and endings as speech, while prepared speeches can be formal.
Identify the register from the actual wording as well as the medium.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Extract the stable practical message before comparing the register used to address the audience.
gives the announcement a formal, deferential presentation. The key practical message remains today’s closure.
。
We will be closed today.
Extract the stable practical message before comparing the register used to address the audience.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
However, the number of users is decreasing.
Written-style connector.
Vocabulary notes
- しかし
- however
- 利用者
- user
Compare in context
、。
But fewer people are using it, you know.
Spoken-style connector plus contraction.
Vocabulary notes
- でも
- but; however
- 使う
- to use
Section 2 of 4
Typical contrasts
Typical contrasts
Start with the example
。、。
The weather is bad. Therefore, the game was postponed.
Written Japanese often uses formal connectors and compact report-like style.
Notice the variation
、。
Because the weather is bad, the game got postponed.
Spoken Japanese prefers familiar connectors and explanatory endings.
More detail: how to apply this
Written language often uses , , and 〜-style explanation.
Spoken language often uses , , , , and shortened forms.
The content may be similar, but the texture is different.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
The weather is bad. Therefore, the game was postponed.
Written Japanese often uses formal connectors and compact report-like style.
。、。
The weather is bad. Therefore, the game was postponed.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: The weather is bad. Therefore, the game was postponed.
Showing Typical contrasts: Everyday words.
Target signal
。、。
The weather is bad. Therefore, the game was postponed.
Written Japanese often uses formal connectors and compact report-like style.
Vocabulary notes
- そのため
- for that reason; therefore
Preview
、。
Because the weather is bad, the game got postponed.
Spoken Japanese prefers familiar connectors and explanatory endings.
Vocabulary notes
- 天気
- weather
- から
- from; because
- んだ
- you know; the thing is; explanatory tone
Section 3 of 4
Reading focus
Extract the stable practical message before comparing the register used to address the audience.
Reading focus
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
specifies today in a formal register. It does not mean a permanent closure.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Before reading closely, identify the medium: article, notice, email, interview, text message, or dialogue.
This tells you whether to expect formal connectors and packed noun phrases, or colloquial omission and contractions.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
We will be closed today.
Formal written or service style.
。
We will be closed today.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: We will be closed today.
Showing Reading focus: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
We will be closed today.
Formal written or service style.
Preview
。
We are off today.
Spoken-style explanation.
Vocabulary notes
- 今日
- today
- なんだ
- it is that; indeed it is
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 、.
Register can change while a cause-result relation remains;
audience and setting guide the expression.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
Register can change while a cause-result relation remains; audience and setting guide the expression.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Formal connective/wording versus conversational wording for a similar result
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.