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
Core idea
Understand how 〜 expresses a change into a new ability or habit.
Start with the example
。
I have become able to speak a little Japanese.
Potential form + shows a new ability.
Notice the variation
、。
I started getting up at six every morning.
Dictionary form + often shows a new habit.
More detail: how to apply this
Use 〜 when something changes over time.
With a potential form, it often means 'become able to.' With a dictionary form, it often means 'start doing something as a habit.'
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Check whether the verb names an ability or a routine before describing what changed.
reports the gained ability. It does not claim every kanji is now readable or identify the exact practice routine.
。
I became able to read kanji better than before.
Check whether the verb names an ability or a routine before describing what changed.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I have become able to speak a little Japanese.
Potential form + shows a new ability.
Vocabulary notes
- ように
- so that; in order to
- なりました
- became
Compare in context
、。
I started getting up at six every morning.
Dictionary form + often shows a new habit.
Vocabulary notes
- ように
- so that; in order to
- なりました
- became
Section 2 of 4
Formation and patterns
Formation and patterns
Start with the example
。
I stopped drinking coffee at night.
describes a change from drinking to no longer drinking in this situation.
Notice the variation
。
I became able to read kanji better than before.
In casual speech, 〜 is very common.
More detail: how to apply this
Potential + expresses gained ability: .
For a behavior that stops, is often the natural negative counterpart: →.
also follows ordinary nonpast verbs for an emerging routine.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I stopped drinking coffee at night.
describes a change from drinking to no longer drinking in this situation.
。
I stopped drinking coffee at night.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I stopped drinking coffee at night.
Showing Formation and patterns: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I stopped drinking coffee at night.
describes a change from drinking to no longer drinking in this situation.
Preview
。
I became able to read kanji better than before.
In casual speech, 〜 is very common.
Vocabulary notes
- 前より
- than before
- ように
- so that; in order to
Section 3 of 4
Reading and nuance
Check whether the verb names an ability or a routine before describing what changed.
Reading and nuance
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
compares the person’s kanji reading with their earlier ability.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
This pattern often appears in diary-style writing, self-reflection, and progress updates.
It focuses on the result of gradual change, not the decision itself.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
By continuing to practice, I became able to swim faster.
The cause may be stated earlier in the passage.
、。
By continuing to practice, I became able to swim faster.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: By continuing to practice, I became able to swim faster.
Showing Reading and nuance: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
By continuing to practice, I became able to swim faster.
The cause may be stated earlier in the passage.
Vocabulary notes
- ように
- so that; in order to
Preview
、。
Since coming to Japan, I have become able to eat natto too.
Writers often use it to show personal growth.
Vocabulary notes
- なりました
- became
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 .
highlights deliberate practice;
potential plus highlights changed ability.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
highlights deliberate practice; potential plus highlights changed ability.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Chose to establish reading / became able to read
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.