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 〜 means 'if it is the case that...' or 'if you're talking about...'.
Start with the example
、。
If you're going to Kyoto, autumn is what I recommend.
responds to the context 'going to Kyoto.'
Notice the variation
、。
If you're talking about Japanese books, that store has many.
Noun + can mean 'as for X' or 'if it's X.'
More detail: how to apply this
〜 introduces a condition based on information already known, mentioned, or assumed.
It often sounds like 'if that's the case' or 'if you mean X.'
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Treat the assumed plan as the starting point for advice, then ask when that advice is useful.
Recommending autumn helps the listener plan the trip. The advice can be useful before departure.
、。
If you're going to Kyoto, autumn is what I recommend.
Treat the assumed plan as the starting point for advice, then ask when that advice is useful.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
If you're going to Kyoto, autumn is what I recommend.
responds to the context 'going to Kyoto.'
Vocabulary notes
- おすすめ
- recommendation
Compare in context
、。
If you're talking about Japanese books, that store has many.
Noun + can mean 'as for X' or 'if it's X.'
Vocabulary notes
- 日本語
- Japanese language
- たくさん
- many; a lot
- あります
- there is; there are
Section 2 of 4
Formation and patterns
Formation and patterns
Start with the example
、。
If you're tired, you should rest today.
often leads into advice like .
Notice the variation
、。
If you don't have a car, let's go by train.
The condition is already part of the conversation.
More detail: how to apply this
Attach to a plain verb or -adjective: , .
With nonpast affirmative nouns and -adjectives, omit : , .
Past and negative forms keep their endings: , .
The assumed condition often leads into advice or a judgment.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
If you're tired, you should rest today.
often leads into advice like .
、。
If you're tired, you should rest today.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: If you're tired, you should rest today.
Showing Formation and patterns: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
If you're tired, you should rest today.
often leads into advice like .
Vocabulary notes
- ほうがいい
- had better; should
Preview
、。
If you don't have a car, let's go by train.
The condition is already part of the conversation.
Vocabulary notes
- ない
- not; there is not
- なら
- if it is; as for
Section 3 of 4
Reading and nuance
Treat the assumed plan as the starting point for advice, then ask when that advice is useful.
Reading and nuance
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
Going to Kyoto is taken as the listener’s plan or an assumed situation. The speaker is responding to that context.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Compared with , is less about sequence and more about taking a condition as a topic.
It often reacts to what someone just said.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
A: I want a new computer. B: In that case, this store is cheap.
responds directly to previous context.
A: 。 B: 、。
A: I want a new computer. B: In that case, this store is cheap.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: A: I want a new computer. B: In that case, this store is cheap.
Showing Reading and nuance: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
A: 。 B: 、。
A: I want a new computer. B: In that case, this store is cheap.
responds directly to previous context.
Vocabulary notes
- パソコン
- personal computer
- ほしいです
- want; would like
Preview
、。
If you're busy, you don't have to force yourself.
often sounds like reacting to what the other person just said.
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 .
responds to the plan and allows advance advice;
here orders the call after the trip condition is met.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
responds to the plan and allows advance advice; here orders the call after the trip condition is met.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Book in light of the trip plan / call after arriving or going
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.