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
Beginning an action
Verb stem + 始める shows that an action starts. It often appears with weather, speech, movement, or new habits, especially in narratives where the writer tracks how events unfold.
Target signal
雨が降り始めた。
It started to rain.
Verb stem + 始める marks the start of an action.
Vocabulary notes
- が
- subject marker
- 雨
- rain
Compare in context
彼は急に話し始めた。
He suddenly started talking.
A narrative-style beginning with a sudden change.
Vocabulary notes
- 急に
- suddenly
- に
- to; at; in; on
- は
- topic marker
Section 2 of 3
Continuing an action
Verb stem + 続ける means to keep doing something. It often highlights persistence, repetition, or something that goes on longer than expected.
Target signal
その会社で働き続けている。
I have continued working at that company.
続ける highlights persistence over time.
Vocabulary notes
- ている
- to be doing; to be in a resulting state
- いる
- to exist; to be
- その
- that
Preview
最後まで読み続けてください。
Please continue reading to the end.
Command form can ask someone to keep doing the action.
Vocabulary notes
- てください
- please do ...
- ください
- please give; please do
- まで
- until; up to
Section 3 of 3
Finishing an action
Verb stem + 終わる means to finish doing something. In reading, this often closes a sequence and shows that the action reached its endpoint.
Target signal
宿題を書き終わった。
I finished writing the homework.
書き終わる means finishing the writing completely.
Vocabulary notes
- 宿題
- homework
- を
- object marker
Preview
食べ終わったら、知らせてください。
When you finish eating, please let me know.
食べ終わったら marks the point after completion.
Vocabulary notes
- てください
- please do ...
- ください
- please give; please do
- 知らせ
- news; notice