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
State, not action
Recognize when 〜 describes a state instead of an action in progress.
Start with the example
。
Tanaka lives in Tokyo.
describes a continuing state rather than movement happening now.
Notice the variation
。
My father is wearing glasses.
means wearing something as a resulting state.
More detail: how to apply this
Some verbs use 〜 to show a continuing state or result, not something happening right now.
In these cases, English often uses 'live,' 'know,' or 'wear' rather than 'is doing.'
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Some forms describe a resulting or continuing state; choose the reading that fits the verb.
means knows the teacher. Do not force it into “is finding out right now” just because it contains .
。
I know the teacher.
Some forms describe a resulting or continuing state; choose the reading that fits the verb.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
Tanaka lives in Tokyo.
describes a continuing state rather than movement happening now.
Vocabulary notes
- 田中さん
- Tanaka
- 住んでいます
- live; am living
Compare in context
。
My father is wearing glasses.
means wearing something as a resulting state.
Vocabulary notes
- めがね
- glasses
- かけています
- am wearing
Section 2 of 4
Common N5 patterns
Common N5 patterns
Start with the example
。
My older sister is married.
usually means 'is married,' not 'is getting married now.'
Notice the variation
。
I have a car.
describes an ongoing state of possession.
More detail: how to apply this
A few very common verbs behave this way from the beginning level.
It is important to memorize them as natural chunks.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
My older sister is married.
usually means 'is married,' not 'is getting married now.'
。
My older sister is married.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: My older sister is married.
Showing Common N5 patterns: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
My older sister is married.
usually means 'is married,' not 'is getting married now.'
Vocabulary notes
- 結婚しています
- is married
Preview
。
I have a car.
describes an ongoing state of possession.
Vocabulary notes
- わたし
- I; me
- 持っています
- have; own
Section 3 of 4
Reading tip
Some forms describe a resulting or continuing state; choose the reading that fits the verb.
Reading tip
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
identifies whom the speaker knows: the teacher. It does not make the teacher the learner here.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When you read 〜, ask whether the verb naturally describes a momentary action or a lasting state.
That question often tells you how to translate it.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I know the teacher.
means 'know' as a state of having knowledge.
。
I know the teacher.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I know the teacher.
Showing Reading tip: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
I know the teacher.
means 'know' as a state of having knowledge.
Vocabulary notes
- 知っています
- know
Preview
。
I live in Osaka.
Another state use of with a place expression.
Vocabulary notes
- 住んでいます
- live; am living
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 .
Intransitive plus commonly expresses the open result.
Transitive presents an agent's action or maintenance.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
Intransitive plus commonly expresses the open result. Transitive presents an agent's action or maintenance.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Door is open / someone is opening or keeping it open
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.