Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 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 3
Action versus change of state
Transitive verbs describe an agent acting on something. Intransitive verbs describe a state change or event happening. Many pairs look similar, but the sentence focus is different.
Target signal
私はドアを開けました。
I opened the door.
Notice how Transitive and Intransitive Verbs I shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 開けました
- opened
- した
- did
- ドア
- door
Compare in context
ドアが開きました。
The door opened.
Notice how Transitive and Intransitive Verbs I shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 開きました
- opened
- した
- did
- ドア
- door
Compare in context
店員が電気をつけました。
The clerk turned on the lights.
Notice how Transitive and Intransitive Verbs I shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- した
- did
- 店員
- shop clerk; store employee
- 電気
- electricity; electric light
Section 2 of 3
Common beginner pairs
A few high-frequency pairs appear constantly in everyday reading: 開ける / 開く, 閉める / 閉まる, つける / つく, 消す / 消える. Learn them as pairs rather than isolated verbs.
Target signal
窓を閉めてください。
Please close the window.
Notice how Transitive and Intransitive Verbs I shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 閉めてください
- please close
- てください
- please do ...
- ください
- please give; please do
Preview
窓が閉まりました。
The window closed.
Notice how Transitive and Intransitive Verbs I shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- した
- did
- が
- subject marker
- 窓
- window
Preview
電気が消えました。
The lights went out.
Notice how Transitive and Intransitive Verbs I shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- した
- did
- 電気
- electricity; electric light
- が
- subject marker
Section 3 of 3
Reading focus: who did it, or did it just happen?
When you read signs, notices, or short narratives, the writer often chooses the intransitive verb if the actor is not important. That choice helps create a neutral, event-focused tone.
Target signal
会場のドアは九時に開きます。
The venue doors open at nine.
Notice how Transitive and Intransitive Verbs I shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ドア
- door
- ます
- polite verb ending
- 九時
- nine o'clock
Preview
母がテレビを消しました。
My mother turned off the TV.
Notice how Transitive and Intransitive Verbs I shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- しました
- did
- テレビ
- TV; television
- した
- did
Preview
テレビが急に消えました。
The TV suddenly turned off.
Notice how Transitive and Intransitive Verbs I shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- テレビ
- TV; television
- した
- did
- 急に
- suddenly