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
Core pattern
Describe actions in progress with 〜.
Start with the example
、。
I am reading a book now.
〜 shows an action happening now.
Notice the variation
。
My mother is cooking.
is the ongoing form of .
More detail: how to apply this
With action verbs, 〜 often means that someone is in the middle of doing something.
It often matches English 'is doing.'
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Use the action verb and surrounding time frame to identify what is in progress.
In a scene describing now, means is listening. It does not mean the listening has necessarily finished.
。
My friend is listening to music.
Use the action verb and surrounding time frame to identify what is in progress.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
I am reading a book now.
〜 shows an action happening now.
Vocabulary notes
- 読んでいます
- am reading
Compare in context
。
My mother is cooking.
is the ongoing form of .
Vocabulary notes
- しています
- am doing
Section 2 of 4
Questions and answers
Questions and answers
Start with the example
、。
What are you doing now?
asks about the activity in progress.
Notice the variation
。
The children are playing in the park.
describes what the children are doing right now.
More detail: how to apply this
This pattern is common when asking what someone is doing now.
Time words such as often make the meaning especially clear.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
What are you doing now?
asks about the activity in progress.
、。
What are you doing now?
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: What are you doing now?
Showing Questions and answers: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
What are you doing now?
asks about the activity in progress.
Vocabulary notes
- 何をしていますか
- what are you doing?
Preview
。
The children are playing in the park.
describes what the children are doing right now.
Vocabulary notes
- 子どもたち
- children
- 遊んでいます
- are playing
Section 3 of 4
Reading tip
Use the action verb and surrounding time frame to identify what is in progress.
Reading tip
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The friend is the person whose activity is being described.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When you see 〜, first ask whether the verb is an action verb such as , , or .
If it is, the sentence often describes an action in progress.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
The teacher is speaking.
In a scene describing what is happening now, means is speaking. With a frequency phrase, a form can instead describe repeated activity; context matters.
。
The teacher is speaking.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: The teacher is speaking.
Showing Reading tip: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
The teacher is speaking.
In a scene describing what is happening now, means is speaking. With a frequency phrase, a form can instead describe repeated activity; context matters.
Vocabulary notes
- 話しています
- is speaking
Preview
。
My friend is listening to music.
shows the current ongoing activity of listening.
Vocabulary notes
- 友だち
- friend
- 聞いています
- am listening
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 .
and present reading in progress;
simple does not itself establish ongoing action.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
and present reading in progress; simple does not itself establish ongoing action.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Reads/will read / is reading now
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.