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 movement verbs
Use , , and with destinations and schedules.
Start with the example
。
I go to school at seven.
shows movement away from the speaker or the reference point.
Notice the variation
。
My friend comes to my house at nine.
shows movement toward the speaker’s side.
More detail: how to apply this
means “go,” means “come,” and means “return.” Read the destination first, then decide whether the movement is away from the speaker, toward the speaker, or back to a home base.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Track changes of person as well as go, come, and return.
The speaker returns home. shows return to a base, while the friend’s points to a destination.
、。
My friend goes to the library, and I go home.
Track changes of person as well as go, come, and return.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I go to school at seven.
shows movement away from the speaker or the reference point.
Vocabulary notes
- 七時
- seven o’clock
- 行きます
- go
Compare in context
。
My friend comes to my house at nine.
shows movement toward the speaker’s side.
Vocabulary notes
- 友だち
- friend
- うち
- home; our place
- 来ます
- come (polite)
Compare in context
。
I return home at six.
is used for returning to home or another base place.
Vocabulary notes
- 六時
- 6 o'clock
- うち
- home; our place
Section 2 of 4
Point of view and destination
Point of view and destination
Start with the example
。
The teacher is coming to the classroom tomorrow.
The classroom is the point of reference here, so fits naturally.
Notice the variation
。
I go to the shop on Saturday.
The speaker is going somewhere else, so is the natural choice.
More detail: how to apply this
The same place can take or depending on the speaker’s point of view.
Ask yourself where the “home base” is in the sentence, and the verb choice becomes easier.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
The teacher is coming to the classroom tomorrow.
The classroom is the point of reference here, so fits naturally.
。
The teacher is coming to the classroom tomorrow.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: The teacher is coming to the classroom tomorrow.
Showing Point of view and destination: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
The teacher is coming to the classroom tomorrow.
The classroom is the point of reference here, so fits naturally.
Vocabulary notes
- あした
- tomorrow
- 来ます
- come (polite)
Preview
。
I go to the shop on Saturday.
The speaker is going somewhere else, so is the natural choice.
Vocabulary notes
- 土曜日
- Saturday
- 行きます
- go
Preview
。
I go home after work.
often pairs naturally with .
Vocabulary notes
- あとで
- later; afterward
- うち
- home; our place
Section 3 of 4
Reading in short exchanges
Track changes of person as well as go, come, and return.
Reading in short exchanges
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The friend goes to the library. connects this clause to the next.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
In short dialogue, the destination is sometimes omitted because everyone already knows it.
Look at the speaker’s side and the final verb to understand the movement quickly.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
A: Is Tanaka coming? B: Yes, he is.
The short answer repeats the movement verb.
A: 。 B: 、。
A: Is Tanaka coming? B: Yes, he is.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: A: Is Tanaka coming? B: Yes, he is.
Showing Reading in short exchanges: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
A: 。 B: 、。
A: Is Tanaka coming? B: Yes, he is.
The short answer repeats the movement verb.
Vocabulary notes
- 田中さん
- Tanaka
- 来ます
- come (polite)
Preview
A: 。 B: 、。
A: Are you going to school today? B: No, I am going home.
The reply changes the destination and switches to .
Vocabulary notes
- 行きます
- go
- いいえ
- no
Preview
、。
My friend goes to the library, and I go home.
Two different movement verbs can appear in one sentence when the speakers move to different places.
Vocabulary notes
- 友だち
- friend
- 図書館
- library
- わたし
- I; me
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
The speaker stays at home. 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
The speaker stays at home.
Compare and .
approaches the viewpoint;
expresses returning to a base, not simply coming closer.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
approaches the viewpoint; expresses returning to a base, not simply coming closer.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: The friend comes here / the friend returns home or to a base
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.