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 hearsay as 'I hear that...' or 'they say that...'.
Start with the example
、。
The forecast says it will snow tomorrow.
introduces the source of the hearsay.
Notice the variation
。
I hear that Yamada is getting married next month.
The speaker is passing on information, not observing it directly.
More detail: how to apply this
Hearsay is used when the speaker is reporting information from another source.
It does not mean the speaker personally observed the fact.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Identify the source and preserve the difference between reported information and personal observation.
passes along that information. The sentence does not say the speaker currently sees snow outside.
、。
The forecast says it will snow tomorrow.
Identify the source and preserve the difference between reported information and personal observation.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
The forecast says it will snow tomorrow.
introduces the source of the hearsay.
Vocabulary notes
- になる
- to become
Compare in context
。
I hear that Yamada is getting married next month.
The speaker is passing on information, not observing it directly.
Vocabulary notes
- 山田さん
- Mr. or Ms. Yamada
Section 2 of 4
Formation and patterns
Formation and patterns
Start with the example
。
I hear this shop's ramen is good.
With hearsay after an -adjective, keep the final : .
Notice the variation
。
I hear that movie is not very long.
Negative plain forms also attach directly before .
More detail: how to apply this
Attach to plain forms.
After nouns and -adjectives, plain style includes : , .
Sources are often marked with or .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I hear this shop's ramen is good.
With hearsay after an -adjective, keep the final : .
。
I hear this shop's ramen is good.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I hear this shop's ramen is good.
Showing Formation and patterns: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I hear this shop's ramen is good.
With hearsay after an -adjective, keep the final : .
Vocabulary notes
- おいしい
- delicious
Preview
。
I hear that movie is not very long.
Negative plain forms also attach directly before .
Vocabulary notes
- あまり
- not very; not much
Section 3 of 4
Hearsay vs appearance
Identify the source and preserve the difference between reported information and personal observation.
Hearsay vs appearance
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
identifies the forecast as the source of information.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Do not confuse hearsay with appearance .
Hearsay reports information from a source.
Appearance is based on what something seems like.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I hear that it will rain.
This is hearsay from information or a report.
。
I hear that it will rain.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I hear that it will rain.
Showing Hearsay vs appearance: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
I hear that it will rain.
This is hearsay from information or a report.
Preview
。
It looks like it is about to rain.
This is appearance based on what the speaker sees.
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 .
Full plain form before gives hearsay;
stem before gives appearance/imminence.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
Full plain form before gives hearsay; stem before gives appearance/imminence.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Reported rain / rain looks likely
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.