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 that Japanese relative clauses come before the noun they modify.
Start with the example
。
I read the book that I bought yesterday.
The whole clause modifies .
Notice the variation
。
The store that is near the station is cheap.
describes which .
More detail: how to apply this
In Japanese, a clause can directly modify a noun without a relative pronoun like 'who' or 'that.' The whole clause comes before the noun.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Attach a modifier to its following noun before assigning roles in the main sentence.
reports showing those photos to a friend. The friend is the recipient of showing, not necessarily the photographer.
。
I showed my friend the photos that I took in Japan.
Attach a modifier to its following noun before assigning roles in the main sentence.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I read the book that I bought yesterday.
The whole clause modifies .
Vocabulary notes
- 昨日
- yesterday
- を
- object marker
Compare in context
。
The store that is near the station is cheap.
describes which .
Section 2 of 4
How the structure works
How the structure works
Start with the example
。
The cake that my older sister made was delicious.
is the subject inside the clause.
Notice the variation
DVD。
I watched the DVD I borrowed from the library.
identifies the DVD. remains inside the modifying clause and marks where it was borrowed.
More detail: how to apply this
Read the clause in Japanese order, then attach its information to the following noun: [].
Inside the brackets, is the maker;
outside, is the thing described.
Continue to the main predicate to find out what happens to that cake.
The person acting inside a modifier need not be the person acting in the main clause.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
The cake that my older sister made was delicious.
is the subject inside the clause.
。
The cake that my older sister made was delicious.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: The cake that my older sister made was delicious.
Showing How the structure works: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
The cake that my older sister made was delicious.
is the subject inside the clause.
Vocabulary notes
- ケーキ
- cake
Preview
DVD。
I watched the DVD I borrowed from the library.
identifies the DVD. remains inside the modifying clause and marks where it was borrowed.
Section 3 of 4
Reading strategy
Attach a modifier to its following noun before assigning roles in the main sentence.
Reading strategy
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
describes taking something in Japan. The noun immediately after this clause tells you what was taken.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Do not look for a word like 'that.' Instead, treat the whole chunk before the noun as one unit.
This is essential for reading longer Japanese sentences.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I showed my friend the photos that I took in Japan.
works as one chunk before .
。
I showed my friend the photos that I took in Japan.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I showed my friend the photos that I took in Japan.
Showing Reading strategy: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
I showed my friend the photos that I took in Japan.
works as one chunk before .
Vocabulary notes
- 写真
- photograph; photo
- 友だち
- friend
Preview
。
It is the newspaper that my father reads every morning.
describes before the main predicate.
Vocabulary notes
- 毎朝
- every morning
- 新聞
- newspaper
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 the bracketed clause identify?
More detail: what changes and why
Same station visit: []。／[]。 What does the bracketed clause identify?
A modifying clause attaches to the noun immediately after it.
describes which ;
describes which .
The main action in both is showing a book to a friend.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
A modifying clause attaches to the noun immediately after it. describes which ; describes which . The main action in both is showing a book to a friend.
What does the bracketed clause identify?
Supported meaning: The friend in the first; the book 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.