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
Action versus change of state
Tell whether a verb shows someone causing a change or a thing changing by itself.
Start with the example
。
I opened the door.
Notice the variation
。
The door opened.
More detail: how to apply this
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.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Identify whether the verb presents an agent acting on an object or the object undergoing a change.
is intransitive: the television went off. The sentence leaves the cause unstated, unlike .
。
The TV suddenly turned off.
Identify whether the verb presents an agent acting on an object or the object undergoing a change.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I opened the door.
Vocabulary notes
- ドア
- door
Compare in context
。
The door opened.
Vocabulary notes
- ドア
- door
Compare in context
。
The clerk turned on the lights.
Vocabulary notes
- 店員
- shop clerk; store employee
- 電気
- electricity; electric light
Section 2 of 4
Common beginner pairs
Common beginner pairs
Start with the example
。
Please close the window.
Notice the variation
。
The window closed.
More detail: how to apply this
A few high-frequency pairs appear constantly in everyday reading: / , / , / , / .
Learn them as pairs rather than isolated verbs.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Please close the window.
In this example, the message is: Please close the window.
。
Please close the window.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Please close the window.
Showing Common beginner pairs: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
Please close the window.
Vocabulary notes
- 閉めてください
- please close
Preview
。
The window closed.
Vocabulary notes
- 窓
- window
- が
- subject marker
Preview
。
The lights went out.
Vocabulary notes
- 電気
- electricity; electric light
- が
- subject marker
Section 3 of 4
Reading focus: who did it, or did it just happen?
Identify whether the verb presents an agent acting on an object or the object undergoing a change.
Reading focus: who did it, or did it just happen?
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
makes the television or its output the subject of the event. There is no object marked with .
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
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.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
The venue doors open at nine.
In this example, the message is: The venue doors open at nine.
。
The venue doors open at nine.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: The venue doors open at nine.
Showing Reading focus: who did it, or did it just happen?: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
The venue doors open at nine.
Vocabulary notes
- ドア
- door
- 九時
- nine o'clock
Preview
。
My mother turned off the TV.
Vocabulary notes
- テレビ
- TV; television
Preview
。
The TV suddenly turned off.
Vocabulary notes
- テレビ
- TV; television
- 急に
- suddenly
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 .
Transitive takes an object;
intransitive presents the change to the door itself.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
Transitive takes an object; intransitive presents the change to the door itself.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Someone closed the door / the door closed
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.