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
Direct command forms
Recognize imperative verb forms and strong negative commands.
Start with the example
。
Come quickly.
Notice the variation
。
Sit here.
More detail: how to apply this
Imperative forms such as , , and are direct and strong.
They are used in orders, emotional speech, sports, military-style language, and some very close relationships.
They are not neutral default Japanese.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Read to the final before deciding the direction of a strong instruction.
Final after dictionary form makes a direct prohibition: do not press it. would instead order pressing.
。
Do not press that button.
Read to the final before deciding the direction of a strong instruction.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
Come quickly.
Vocabulary notes
- 早く
- early; quickly
Compare in context
。
Sit here.
Vocabulary notes
- ここに
- here
Compare in context
。
Keep trying until the end.
Vocabulary notes
- 最後
- last; final
- まで
- until; up to
Section 2 of 4
Prohibitions
Prohibitions
Start with the example
。
Do not press that button.
Notice the variation
。
Do not enter.
More detail: how to apply this
The plain prohibition form is dictionary form + .
It is very direct.
Softer casual negatives use .
In reading, this difference tells you a lot about tone.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Do not press that button.
In this example, the message is: Do not press that button.
。
Do not press that button.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Do not press that button.
Showing Prohibitions: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
Do not press that button.
Vocabulary notes
- その
- that
Preview
。
Do not enter.
Preview
。
Do not worry.
Softer than the plain prohibition form.
Section 3 of 4
Softer casual requests
Read to the final before deciding the direction of a strong instruction.
Softer casual requests
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
identifies the button the instruction concerns. It does not ban touching every object nearby.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Not every casual command is harsh. 〜 and 〜 can sound friendly or gentle depending on the relationship.
This is common in family dialogue and text messages.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Wait a second.
In this example, the message is: Wait a second.
。
Wait a second.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Wait a second.
Showing Softer casual requests: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
Wait a second.
Vocabulary notes
- ちょっと
- a little; just; hey
Preview
。
Do not forget.
Vocabulary notes
- で
- at; in; by; with
Preview
。
Please be quiet.
Vocabulary notes
- 静かに
- quietly
- して
- doing and
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 .
Imperative commands the action;
dictionary form plus prohibits it.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
Imperative commands the action; dictionary form plus prohibits it.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Go! / Don't go!
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.