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
Use to give advice in everyday Japanese.
Start with the example
、。
If you're tired, it would be better to go to bed early today.
Condition + gives friendly practical advice.
Notice the variation
。
You'd better not take that medicine.
Negative advice usually uses .
More detail: how to apply this
〜 means 'it would be better to...' and is used for advice.
It sounds practical and personal, not like a strict rule.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Find the reason, then check whether the advice recommends doing or avoiding the action.
makes that avoidance the recommended choice. It does not report that the listener has already stayed home.
、。
Because there is a test tomorrow, you'd better not go out tonight.
Find the reason, then check whether the advice recommends doing or avoiding the action.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
If you're tired, it would be better to go to bed early today.
Condition + gives friendly practical advice.
Vocabulary notes
- ほうがいい
- had better; should
Compare in context
。
You'd better not take that medicine.
Negative advice usually uses .
Vocabulary notes
- ほうがいい
- had better; should
Section 2 of 4
Formation and patterns
Formation and patterns
Start with the example
。
You should go to the hospital.
The past form before is the common affirmative pattern.
Notice the variation
。
You shouldn't worry that much.
Casual speech often drops after the advice.
More detail: how to apply this
Affirmative advice is commonly made with the past plain form + .
Negative advice uses the plain negative form + .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
You should go to the hospital.
The past form before is the common affirmative pattern.
。
You should go to the hospital.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: You should go to the hospital.
Showing Formation and patterns: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
You should go to the hospital.
The past form before is the common affirmative pattern.
Vocabulary notes
- ほうがいい
- had better; should
Preview
。
You shouldn't worry that much.
Casual speech often drops after the advice.
Vocabulary notes
- そんなに
- that much; so much
- ほうがいい
- had better; should
Section 3 of 4
Reading and nuance
Find the reason, then check whether the advice recommends doing or avoiding the action.
Reading and nuance
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
Tomorrow’s test gives the reason for the advice.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
In conversations and messages, often appears after conditionals such as or after context that explains why the advice is reasonable.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Because there is a test tomorrow, you'd better not go out tonight.
Context before often explains why the advice is reasonable.
、。
Because there is a test tomorrow, you'd better not go out tonight.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Because there is a test tomorrow, you'd better not go out tonight.
Showing Reading and nuance: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
Because there is a test tomorrow, you'd better not go out tonight.
Context before often explains why the advice is reasonable.
Vocabulary notes
- テスト
- test
- ほうがいい
- had better; should
Preview
、。
Because the roads are crowded, I think it would be better to go by train.
Adding softens the advice further.
Vocabulary notes
- ほうがいい
- had better; should
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 .
advises doing;
advises avoiding.
The form is not a report of past rest here.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
advises doing; advises avoiding. The form is not a report of past rest here.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Better to rest / better not to rest
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.