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
Recognize as a casual alternative to for quotation.
Start with the example
、。
They said that Tanaka isn't coming.
Quoted content comes before in casual speech.
Notice the variation
。
I heard that tomorrow is a holiday.
is a very common casual reported-information pattern.
More detail: how to apply this
In casual Japanese, often replaces as a quotation marker.
It is common in spoken language among friends and in informal messages.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Use to locate reported content, then distinguish that report from the event it describes.
reports what he said. It does not verify that the later call has already happened.
。
He said he would call later.
Use to locate reported content, then distinguish that report from the event it describes.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
They said that Tanaka isn't coming.
Quoted content comes before in casual speech.
Vocabulary notes
- 田中さん
- Tanaka
- って
- colloquial quoting or topic particle
Compare in context
。
I heard that tomorrow is a holiday.
is a very common casual reported-information pattern.
Vocabulary notes
- って
- colloquial quoting or topic particle
Section 2 of 4
Formation and patterns
Formation and patterns
Start with the example
。
He said he would call later.
is a common everyday reporting chunk.
Notice the variation
、。
My friend said this restaurant is good.
The quote itself can come before the reporting subject in casual speech.
More detail: how to apply this
Attach to the quoted content, usually in plain style.
It can appear with verbs like , , , and in casual reported information.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
He said he would call later.
is a common everyday reporting chunk.
。
He said he would call later.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: He said he would call later.
Showing Formation and patterns: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
He said he would call later.
is a common everyday reporting chunk.
Vocabulary notes
- あとで
- later; afterward
Preview
、。
My friend said this restaurant is good.
The quote itself can come before the reporting subject in casual speech.
Vocabulary notes
- おいしい
- delicious
- 友だち
- friend
Section 3 of 4
Reading and nuance
Use to locate reported content, then distinguish that report from the event it describes.
Reading and nuance
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
identifies whose statement is being reported.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Because is casual, it appears most often in dialogue, text messages, and social writing.
In formal writing, is safer.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
A: Did they say everyone is going? B: Yeah, apparently so.
In casual questions, can appear without .
A: ？ B: 、。
A: Did they say everyone is going? B: Yeah, apparently so.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: A: Did they say everyone is going? B: Yeah, apparently so.
Showing Reading and nuance: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
A: ？ B: 、。
A: Did they say everyone is going? B: Yeah, apparently so.
In casual questions, can appear without .
Vocabulary notes
- みんな
- everyone
- うん
- yeah / uh-huh
- そう
- so; that way; like that
Preview
。
The teacher said tomorrow is a test.
This is very common in casual student conversation.
Vocabulary notes
- 先生
- teacher; instructor; doctor
- テスト
- test
- って
- colloquial quoting or topic particle
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 .
can mark informal quotation or introduce a topic;
the following context determines its role.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
can mark informal quotation or introduce a topic; the following context determines its role.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Reports that someone will come tomorrow / asks about the topic Tanaka
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.