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
Adjectives before nouns
Put -adjectives and -adjectives before nouns naturally.
Start with the example
。
There is a big white dog.
Two -adjectives can both appear before the noun.
Notice the variation
。
It is a quiet library.
A -adjective needs before the noun.
More detail: how to apply this
In Japanese, adjectives come before the noun they describe.
-adjectives appear directly before the noun, while -adjectives take before the noun.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Find the final noun, then attach each preceding description to it.
is the main noun, a park. The result is a big park near the station, not a big station near a park.
。
It is a big park near the station.
Find the final noun, then attach each preceding description to it.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
There is a big white dog.
Two -adjectives can both appear before the noun.
Vocabulary notes
- 大きい
- big; loud
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
Compare in context
。
It is a quiet library.
A -adjective needs before the noun.
Vocabulary notes
- 図書館
- library
Compare in context
。
It is a beautiful park.
You can combine an adjective and a place noun in one short phrase.
Vocabulary notes
- きれいな
- clean; pretty (before a noun)
Section 2 of 4
Describing places with adjectives
Describing places with adjectives
Start with the example
。
That shop is lively.
is a common place-description adjective.
Notice the variation
。
This room is small.
You can describe a room with a simple adjective predicate.
More detail: how to apply this
After you learn the noun phrase, you can also describe a place or object as the sentence predicate.
Read the adjective after the topic, then connect it to the noun or place being described.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
That shop is lively.
is a common place-description adjective.
。
That shop is lively.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: That shop is lively.
Showing Describing places with adjectives: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
That shop is lively.
is a common place-description adjective.
Vocabulary notes
- あの
- that; that over there
Preview
。
This room is small.
You can describe a room with a simple adjective predicate.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
Preview
。
This park is quiet and beautiful.
Two qualities can be connected with -form or read as a combined description in context.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
Section 3 of 4
Reading short descriptions
Find the final noun, then attach each preceding description to it.
Reading short descriptions
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
means near the station and connects that location to the following noun. Keep reading for the main thing.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When you read a short noun phrase, do not stop at each word.
Keep the adjectives together with the noun and read them as one description unit.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
It is a new small bag.
Read + + as one chunk.
。
It is a new small bag.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: It is a new small bag.
Showing Reading short descriptions: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
It is a new small bag.
Read + + as one chunk.
Vocabulary notes
- 新しい
- new
- 小さい
- small
- かばん
- bag
Preview
。
It is a big park near the station.
A short place description can stay very compact.
Vocabulary notes
- 大きい
- big; loud
- 公園
- park
Preview
。
It is a beautiful white cat.
This pattern shows a -adjective and an -adjective before one noun.
Vocabulary notes
- きれいな
- clean; pretty (before a noun)
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Your turn · decide before revealing
Choose the phrase meaning a quiet, small room.
More detail: what changes and why
Choose the phrase meaning a quiet, small room.
A -adjective links with : .
The final -adjective directly modifies .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
A -adjective links with : . The final -adjective directly modifies .
Choose the phrase meaning a quiet, small room.
Supported meaning: しずかで ちいさい へや
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.