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
Beginning an action
Combine verb stems with , , and .
Start with the example
。
It started to rain.
Verb stem + marks the start of an action.
Notice the variation
。
He suddenly started talking.
A narrative-style beginning with a sudden change.
More detail: how to apply this
Verb stem + 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.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Read the second verb as the phase of the first action, then connect that phase to the next event.
requests notification after that endpoint. The request depends on completion, not just eating being underway.
、。
When you finish eating, please let me know.
Read the second verb as the phase of the first action, then connect that phase to the next event.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
It started to rain.
Verb stem + marks the start of an action.
Vocabulary notes
- 雨
- rain
- が
- subject marker
Compare in context
。
He suddenly started talking.
A narrative-style beginning with a sudden change.
Vocabulary notes
- は
- topic marker
- 急に
- suddenly
Section 2 of 4
Continuing an action
Continuing an action
Start with the example
。
I have continued working at that company.
highlights persistence over time.
Notice the variation
。
Please continue reading to the end.
Command form can ask someone to keep doing the action.
More detail: how to apply this
Verb stem + means to keep doing something.
It often highlights persistence, repetition, or something that goes on longer than expected.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I have continued working at that company.
highlights persistence over time.
。
I have continued working at that company.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I have continued working at that company.
Showing Continuing an action: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I have continued working at that company.
highlights persistence over time.
Vocabulary notes
- その
- that
Preview
。
Please continue reading to the end.
Command form can ask someone to keep doing the action.
Vocabulary notes
- まで
- until; up to
Section 3 of 4
Finishing an action
Read the second verb as the phase of the first action, then connect that phase to the next event.
Finishing an action
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
identifies the action whose stage matters: eating.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Verb stem + means to finish doing something.
In reading, this often closes a sequence and shows that the action reached its endpoint.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I finished writing the homework.
means finishing the writing completely.
。
I finished writing the homework.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I finished writing the homework.
Showing Finishing an action: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
I finished writing the homework.
means finishing the writing completely.
Vocabulary notes
- 宿題
- homework
- を
- object marker
Preview
、。
When you finish eating, please let me know.
marks the point after completion.
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 .
The shared stem identifies the action;
the second verb identifies its phase.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
The shared stem identifies the action; the second verb identifies its phase.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Start reading / finish reading
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.