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
The basic comparison pattern
Use A B adjective-negative to say “A is not as … as B”.
Start with the example
。
This town is not as lively as Tokyo.
Notice the variation
。
This winter is not as cold as last year.
More detail: how to apply this
The most common N4 use is A B adjective-negative .
B is the standard.
The sentence means A does not reach the degree of B.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Track the evaluated item, the standard before , and the negative degree together.
denies reaching that standard. The brother is not as tall as the father; it does not mean both are short.
。
My older brother is not as tall as my father.
Track the evaluated item, the standard before , and the negative degree together.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
This town is not as lively as Tokyo.
Compare in context
。
This winter is not as cold as last year.
Compare in context
。
The train is not as slow as the bus.
Vocabulary notes
- バス
- bus
Section 2 of 4
ほど with what you expected
with what you expected
Start with the example
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The test was not as difficult as I expected.
Notice the variation
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That movie was not as long as I had heard.
More detail: how to apply this
You will also see after expressions like or .
It often means “not as much as I expected” or “to the extent that…”.
At this level, learn the comparison meaning first.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
The test was not as difficult as I expected.
In this example, the message is: The test was not as difficult as I expected.
。
The test was not as difficult as I expected.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: The test was not as difficult as I expected.
Showing ほど with what you expected: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
The test was not as difficult as I expected.
Preview
。
That movie was not as long as I had heard.
Vocabulary notes
- その
- that
Preview
。
It is not as bad as I worried it would be.
Section 3 of 4
Reading the direction of the comparison
Track the evaluated item, the standard before , and the negative degree together.
Reading the direction of the comparison
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The older brother is the person being evaluated.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When you read , ask which item is the standard and which item is being measured against it.
The negative predicate is the clue that the sentence means “not as … as …”.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
My older brother is not as tall as my father.
In this example, the message is: My older brother is not as tall as my father.
。
My older brother is not as tall as my father.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: My older brother is not as tall as my father.
Showing Reading the direction of the comparison: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
My older brother is not as tall as my father.
Vocabulary notes
- ほど
- about; approximately
Preview
。
This street does not have as many people as the area in front of the station.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
Preview
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Japanese grammar is not as scary as kanji.
Vocabulary notes
- 日本語
- Japanese language
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
AB
Example B
AB
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare AB and AB.
with a negative denies reaching the baseline degree;
with positive exceeds it.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
with a negative denies reaching the baseline degree; with positive exceeds it.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: A is not as expensive as B / A is more expensive than B
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.