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
〜てくれる: someone does me a favor
Use 〜 when someone does something for me or my in-group.
Start with the example
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My friend took me to the station.
Notice the variation
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My mother bought me a new notebook.
More detail: how to apply this
Use 〜 when another person does something for the speaker, the speaker’s family, or another psychologically close person.
The focus is on the helper as the subject.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Assign the helper and beneficiary before following the result of the favor.
reports the recipient’s resulting understanding. The sentence shifts from the helper’s action to the narrator’s response.
、。
The shop clerk drew me a map, so I understood right away.
Assign the helper and beneficiary before following the result of the favor.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
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My friend took me to the station.
Vocabulary notes
- 友だち
- friend
Compare in context
。
My mother bought me a new notebook.
Vocabulary notes
- 新しい
- new
- ノート
- notebook
Compare in context
。
The teacher explained it one more time for me.
Vocabulary notes
- もう一度
- one more time; again
Section 2 of 4
〜てもらう: I receive the favor
〜: I receive the favor
Start with the example
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I got my friend to take me to the station.
Notice the variation
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I had my mother buy me a new notebook.
More detail: how to apply this
Use 〜 when the receiver is the subject.
The helper is marked with .
The event is the same, but the sentence viewpoint changes.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I got my friend to take me to the station.
In this example, the message is: I got my friend to take me to the station.
。
I got my friend to take me to the station.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I got my friend to take me to the station.
Showing 〜てもらう: I receive the favor: Everyday words.
Target signal
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I got my friend to take me to the station.
Vocabulary notes
- 友だち
- friend
Preview
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I had my mother buy me a new notebook.
Vocabulary notes
- 新しい
- new
- ノート
- notebook
Preview
。
I had the teacher explain it one more time.
Vocabulary notes
- もう一度
- one more time; again
Section 3 of 4
Reading the speaker’s viewpoint
Assign the helper and beneficiary before following the result of the favor.
Reading the speaker’s viewpoint
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
identifies the helper who draws the map.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When both patterns describe the same event, the difference is perspective.
In reading, ask whose experience is central.
That will often tell you why the writer chose or .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
My younger sister made dinner for me, and it helped a lot.
In this example, the message is: My younger sister made dinner for me, and it helped a lot.
、。
My younger sister made dinner for me, and it helped a lot.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: My younger sister made dinner for me, and it helped a lot.
Showing Reading the speaker’s viewpoint: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
My younger sister made dinner for me, and it helped a lot.
Vocabulary notes
- 料理
- cooking; dish; cuisine
Preview
、。
I had my younger sister make dinner, and it helped a lot.
Vocabulary notes
- もらって
- receiving and...
Preview
、。
The shop clerk drew me a map, so I understood right away.
Vocabulary notes
- 店員さん
- shop clerk
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 .
makes the friend the giver in the first;
marks the source of the favor with .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
makes the friend the giver in the first; marks the source of the favor with .
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Friend taught me / I received teaching from friend
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.