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 the basic meaning of 〜 as 'if' or 'when.'
Start with the example
、。
If I have time, I will watch a movie.
〜 can introduce a future condition.
Notice the variation
、。
When you arrive at the station, please call me.
Requests after the condition is met are very natural with 〜.
More detail: how to apply this
〜 is a flexible conditional that can mean 'if' or 'when.' It often implies that the first event happens before the second event.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Read the result clause to decide whether introduces a planned next action or a discovered situation.
reports the discovered state. This is a narrative discovery, rather than an instruction or an inevitable cause-and-effect rule.
、。
When I opened the door, a cat was outside.
Read the result clause to decide whether introduces a planned next action or a discovered situation.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
If I have time, I will watch a movie.
〜 can introduce a future condition.
Vocabulary notes
- 時間
- time; hour(s)
Compare in context
、。
When you arrive at the station, please call me.
Requests after the condition is met are very natural with 〜.
Section 2 of 4
Formation and patterns
Formation and patterns
Start with the example
、。
If it's cheap, I want to buy that shirt.
Adjectives also form 〜 from the plain past: .
Notice the variation
、。
If you're free, could you help me?
is the plain past form; adding produces . The condition concerns being free, not necessarily a past free day.
More detail: how to apply this
Add to the complete plain past form: →, →, →, →.
Do not add another to an already complete past form.
This conditional can precede requests, advice, plans, or discoveries.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
If it's cheap, I want to buy that shirt.
Adjectives also form 〜 from the plain past: .
、。
If it's cheap, I want to buy that shirt.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: If it's cheap, I want to buy that shirt.
Showing Formation and patterns: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
If it's cheap, I want to buy that shirt.
Adjectives also form 〜 from the plain past: .
Vocabulary notes
- シャツ
- shirt
Preview
、。
If you're free, could you help me?
is the plain past form; adding produces . The condition concerns being free, not necessarily a past free day.
Section 3 of 4
Reading and nuance
Read the result clause to decide whether introduces a planned next action or a discovered situation.
Reading and nuance
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
Opening the door sets the moment at which the next situation is discovered.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
In stories and diary writing, 〜 can also mean 'when I did X, I found Y.' In that use, the second clause may describe discovery or surprise.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
When I opened the door, a cat was outside.
This is the discovery use: X happened, and then the speaker found Y.
、。
When I opened the door, a cat was outside.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: When I opened the door, a cat was outside.
Showing Reading and nuance: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
When I opened the door, a cat was outside.
This is the discovery use: X happened, and then the speaker found Y.
Vocabulary notes
- いました
- there was; there were (living things)
Preview
、。
When I got home, nobody was there.
Writers often use 〜 for surprising discoveries in stories.
Vocabulary notes
- だれも
- anyone; no one (with a negative verb)
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 .
here waits for arrival to be completed;
puts the call before that point.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
here waits for arrival to be completed; puts the call before that point.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Call after arrival / call before arrival
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.