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
Text 1: Message about evening plans
This message mixes appearance, limitation, and potential. Read for practical meaning first: what changed, what is still possible, and what the reader should do next.
Target signal
雨が降りそうなので、会う場所を駅の近くの店に変えました。駅から歩いて五分ほどの店で、飲み物だけでも大丈夫です。来られそうなら、六時までに連絡してください。
It looks like rain, so I changed the meeting place to a shop near the station. It is a shop about a five-minute walk from the station, and even just drinks is fine. If it looks like you can come, please contact me by six.
Key patterns: 〜そう, ほど, だけ, potential.
Vocabulary notes
- てください
- please do ...
- ください
- please give; please do
- だけで
- with only; just by
Section 2 of 4
Text 2: Diary entry
This short diary uses passive, giving and receiving, and ばかり. Notice how the writer’s feelings become clear through grammar, not just vocabulary.
Target signal
今日は弟にケーキを食べられてしまいました。でも、母が帰りに新しいケーキを買ってきてくれて、うれしかったです。弟は甘いものばかり食べるので、少し心配です。
Today my little brother ate my cake on me. But my mother bought a new cake on the way home for me, so I was happy. My little brother eats sweet things all the time, so I am a little worried.
Key patterns: affected passive, 〜てくれる, ばかり.
Vocabulary notes
- いました
- there was; there were (living things)
- ケーキ
- cake
- ばかり
- just; only
Section 3 of 4
Text 3: Office front desk note
This note reviews みたいです and common honorific and humble verbs. In polite workplace reading, a few key verbs often carry the whole meaning.
Target signal
田中先生はただ今いらっしゃいません。三時ごろ戻られるようです。お急ぎでしたら、私がうかがってご説明します。
Professor Tanaka is not here at the moment. It seems that they will return around three. If it is urgent, I will come to you and explain.
Key patterns: みたいです, honorific and humble verbs.
Vocabulary notes
- いらっしゃいませ
- welcome (said to customers)
- いません
- there is not; there are not (living things)
- 田中先生
- Teacher Tanaka; Mr./Ms. Tanaka
Section 4 of 4
How to review a paragraph
For N4 reading, do not translate word by word first. Start with the situation, then identify target grammar, then return to details. This order is faster and more accurate.
Target signal
まず場面をつかんで、それから文法を見ると、長い文でも読みやすくなります。
If you grasp the situation first and then look at the grammar, even long sentences become easier to read.
Notice how N4 Reading Review: Everyday Paragraphs shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- それから
- and then; after that
- から
- from; because
- すく
- become empty / become hungry