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
What appearance そう means
Form appearance from adjectives and verb stems.
Start with the example
。
This cake looks delicious.
Notice the variation
。
It looks like it is going to rain.
More detail: how to apply this
Use 〜 when you judge something from visible or immediate evidence.
With -adjectives, drop the final .
With -adjectives, attach to the stem.
With verbs, use the -stem plus .
This pattern means “looks…” or “seems likely to…”.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Read the form immediately before , including its negation, before identifying the kind of evidence.
presents that impression: it does not look difficult. This is not a quoted report that someone has confirmed the answer is easy.
。
This problem does not look difficult.
Read the form immediately before , including its negation, before identifying the kind of evidence.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
This cake looks delicious.
Vocabulary notes
- ケーキ
- cake
Compare in context
。
It looks like it is going to rain.
Compare in context
。
Tanaka looks well.
Vocabulary notes
- 田中さん
- Tanaka
Section 2 of 4
Negative appearance and common forms
Negative appearance and common forms
Start with the example
。
This problem does not look difficult.
Notice the variation
。
That shop does not look expensive.
More detail: how to apply this
Negative appearance is often made with 〜 or adjective negative stems such as 〜.
Focus on natural, high-frequency patterns first.
becomes , not in this grammar point.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
This problem does not look difficult.
In this example, the message is: This problem does not look difficult.
。
This problem does not look difficult.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: This problem does not look difficult.
Showing Negative appearance and common forms: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
This problem does not look difficult.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
Preview
。
That shop does not look expensive.
Vocabulary notes
- あの
- that; that over there
Preview
。
This method looks better.
Vocabulary notes
- のほうが
- the ... one is more ...
Section 3 of 4
Do not confuse it with hearsay そうだ
Read the form immediately before , including its negation, before identifying the kind of evidence.
Do not confuse it with hearsay そうだ
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The problem is being evaluated from available signs. Its actual solution may not yet have been attempted.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Appearance attaches to an adjective stem or verb stem.
Hearsay attaches to a plain clause and means “I heard that…”.
In reading, the form before is the key clue.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I heard that Yamada is coming.
Plain verb + = hearsay, not appearance.
。
I heard that Yamada is coming.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I heard that Yamada is coming.
Showing Do not confuse it with hearsay そうだ: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
I heard that Yamada is coming.
Plain verb + = hearsay, not appearance.
Vocabulary notes
- 山田さん
- Mr. or Ms. Yamada
Preview
。
Yamada looks likely to come.
Verb stem + = appearance or likelihood.
Vocabulary notes
- 山田さん
- Mr. or Ms. Yamada
Preview
。
That child looks sleepy.
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 .
Appearance attaches to ;
hearsay follows the proposition .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
Appearance attaches to ; hearsay follows the proposition .
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Looks well / reportedly is well
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.