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
Time ranges with から and まで
Use and for time ranges and place ranges.
Start with the example
。
I work from nine to five.
A full time range uses both and .
Notice the variation
。
There is school from Monday to Friday.
Days of the week can form the same kind of range.
More detail: how to apply this
marks the starting point and marks the ending point.
You will see these two words often in schedules, class times, work hours, and daily routines.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Do not supply an unstated start or end; read and independently.
marks the endpoint: the shop is open until five. The opening time is not stated.
。
The shop is open until five.
Do not supply an unstated start or end; read and independently.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I work from nine to five.
A full time range uses both and .
Vocabulary notes
- から
- from; because
- まで
- until; up to
Compare in context
。
There is school from Monday to Friday.
Days of the week can form the same kind of range.
Vocabulary notes
- 月曜日
- Monday
- 金曜日
- Friday
- あります
- there is; there are
Compare in context
。
I study from seven.
The endpoint can be omitted when only the starting point matters.
Vocabulary notes
- から
- from; because
- 勉強します
- study
Section 2 of 4
Place ranges with から and まで
Place ranges with and
Start with the example
。
I walk from the station to my home.
This is the classic beginner route sentence.
Notice the variation
。
I go from school to the library.
You can also show movement between two familiar places.
More detail: how to apply this
The same pair works for movement in space.
When you read a sentence with and , ask where the movement starts and where it ends.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I walk from the station to my home.
This is the classic beginner route sentence.
。
I walk from the station to my home.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I walk from the station to my home.
Showing Place ranges with から and まで: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I walk from the station to my home.
This is the classic beginner route sentence.
Vocabulary notes
- から
- from; because
- うち
- home; our place
Preview
。
I go from school to the library.
You can also show movement between two familiar places.
Vocabulary notes
- から
- from; because
- 図書館
- library
- 行きます
- go
Preview
。
I walk from my home to the park.
The destination can also be a nearby place in town.
Vocabulary notes
- うち
- home; our place
- から
- from; because
Section 3 of 4
Reading schedules and short answers
Do not supply an unstated start or end; read and independently.
Reading schedules and short answers
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
makes the shop’s hours the topic. This is a short schedule statement.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
In signs and schedules, and may appear in very short sentences.
Read them as range markers first before you try to translate the whole sentence.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
School starts at eight.
A short schedule sentence may show only the starting time.
。
School starts at eight.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: School starts at eight.
Showing Reading schedules and short answers: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
School starts at eight.
A short schedule sentence may show only the starting time.
Vocabulary notes
- 八時
- eight o'clock
- から
- from; because
Preview
。
The shop is open until five.
A shop sign may show only the closing time.
Vocabulary notes
- 五時
- five o’clock
- まで
- until; up to
Preview
A: 。 B: 。
A: What time does it start? B: From nine.
Short answers often repeat only the range marker and time.
Vocabulary notes
- から
- from; because
- 九時
- nine o'clock
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 .
marks a start;
marks an endpoint.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
marks a start; marks an endpoint.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: From the station / as far as the station
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.