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
Becoming something new
Use noun + to express becoming something or reaching a new stage.
Start with the example
、。
In the future, I want to become a doctor.
Noun + means 'become'.
Notice the variation
。
It has already become April.
Months, seasons, and ages often use this pattern.
More detail: how to apply this
With nouns, 〜 means “to become.” It often describes jobs, roles, seasons, ages, and milestones.
This is one of the most common ways Japanese expresses change.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Find both the new state and any evidence of what it is being compared with.
reports the resulting change. The pronunciation became more natural, rather than merely being described as natural without comparison.
、。
After practicing, my pronunciation became more natural than before.
Find both the new state and any evidence of what it is being compared with.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
In the future, I want to become a doctor.
Noun + means 'become'.
Vocabulary notes
- 医者
- doctor
Compare in context
。
It has already become April.
Months, seasons, and ages often use this pattern.
Vocabulary notes
- もう
- already; any more
- なりました
- became
Section 2 of 4
Changes in condition or state
Changes in condition or state
Start with the example
。
The town became quiet.
-adjectives use + .
Notice the variation
。
It has gradually become warm.
-adjectives change to for change of state.
More detail: how to apply this
With adjectives, Japanese marks change differently.
-adjectives take , while -adjectives change to .
Even when the forms differ, the core idea is the same: a new state appears.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
The town became quiet.
-adjectives use + .
。
The town became quiet.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: The town became quiet.
Showing Changes in condition or state: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
The town became quiet.
-adjectives use + .
Vocabulary notes
- 静かに
- quietly
- なりました
- became
Preview
。
It has gradually become warm.
-adjectives change to for change of state.
Vocabulary notes
- だんだん
- gradually
Section 3 of 4
Reading patterns of change
Find both the new state and any evidence of what it is being compared with.
Reading patterns of change
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
Practice supplies the preceding activity. It provides context for the change in pronunciation.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Look for time words, causes, and comparisons around 〜.
Those clues often tell you whether the change is natural, deliberate, gradual, or surprising.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
After practicing, my pronunciation became more natural than before.
helps show a comparison before and after the change.
、。
After practicing, my pronunciation became more natural than before.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: After practicing, my pronunciation became more natural than before.
Showing Reading patterns of change: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
After practicing, my pronunciation became more natural than before.
helps show a comparison before and after the change.
Vocabulary notes
- 前より
- than before
- 自然に
- naturally
Preview
、。
When it becomes night, this road gets dark.
Natural change over time with .
Vocabulary notes
- になる
- to become
- この
- this
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
Why versus ?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
Why versus ?
The adjective class determines the linking form before .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
The adjective class determines the linking form before .
/
Supported meaning: い-adjective stem uses く; な-adjective uses に
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.