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
Completion: doing something fully
Recognize the two main meanings of 〜: completion and regret.
Start with the example
。
I finished all of my homework.
Completion with a sense that the action is fully done.
Notice the variation
。
I can finish this book in one day.
Potential-style usage: able to finish completely.
More detail: how to apply this
One use of 〜 is simple completion.
It can mean that something is finished completely, sometimes faster than expected or with a sense of finality.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Let the event and its consequences tell you whether completion is welcome or regrettable.
presents the event as completed, often with regret here. In another scene, such as finishing homework, the same pattern can stress completion without regret.
。
I ended up forgetting my wallet.
Let the event and its consequences tell you whether completion is welcome or regrettable.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I finished all of my homework.
Completion with a sense that the action is fully done.
Vocabulary notes
- 全部
- all; everything
Compare in context
。
I can finish this book in one day.
Potential-style usage: able to finish completely.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- 読んで
- reading and
Section 2 of 4
Regret or unfortunate result
Regret or unfortunate result
Start with the example
。
I ended up forgetting my wallet.
Unwanted or regrettable result.
Notice the variation
。
I fell asleep on the train.
Often translated as 'ended up ...'.
More detail: how to apply this
The second common use is regret, frustration, or an unwanted outcome.
In these cases, 〜 sounds like “ended up doing” or “unfortunately did.”
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I ended up forgetting my wallet.
Unwanted or regrettable result.
。
I ended up forgetting my wallet.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I ended up forgetting my wallet.
Showing Regret or unfortunate result: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I ended up forgetting my wallet.
Unwanted or regrettable result.
Vocabulary notes
- 財布
- wallet
- を
- object marker
Preview
。
I fell asleep on the train.
Often translated as 'ended up ...'.
Vocabulary notes
- 電車
- train
- で
- at; in; by; with
Section 3 of 4
Casual forms in speech and reading
Let the event and its consequences tell you whether completion is welcome or regrettable.
Casual forms in speech and reading
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
identifies the wallet as what was forgotten.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
In casual Japanese, 〜 often contracts to 〜 and 〜.
You will see these shortened forms often in dialogue, messages, and light fiction.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I already ate it.
〜 is the casual contraction of 〜.
。
I already ate it.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I already ate it.
Showing Casual forms in speech and reading: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
I already ate it.
〜 is the casual contraction of 〜.
Vocabulary notes
- もう
- already; any more
Preview
。
I forgot again.
Very common in spoken regret.
Vocabulary notes
- また
- again
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
What does emphasize in these contexts?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
What does emphasize in these contexts?
Context distinguishes complete consumption from the typically regrettable forgetting;
is not always regret.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
Context distinguishes complete consumption from the typically regrettable forgetting; is not always regret.
Supported meaning: Completion can be foregrounded in the first, regret in the second
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.