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
Adding another person or thing
Use to add “also” or “too” after a noun.
Start with the example
。。
I am a student. My older sister is also a student.
The second sentence adds another person with the same information.
Notice the variation
。。
Today is rainy. Tomorrow is rainy too.
can also add another time or situation.
More detail: how to apply this
The particle adds one more person or thing to the same statement.
In many beginner sentences, it replaces the particle you might expect from the first sentence.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Repeated includes each named item in the same predicate; read all of them before the ending.
applies to both: they get up early. It does not state that one wakes the other.
。
Both my father and mother get up early.
Repeated includes each named item in the same predicate; read all of them before the ending.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。。
I am a student. My older sister is also a student.
The second sentence adds another person with the same information.
Vocabulary notes
- わたし
- I; me
- 学生
- student
Compare in context
。。
Today is rainy. Tomorrow is rainy too.
can also add another time or situation.
Vocabulary notes
- 今日
- today
- 明日
- tomorrow
Compare in context
。
My father is coming too.
The speaker adds another person who will come.
Vocabulary notes
- も
- also; too
- 来ます
- come (polite)
Section 2 of 4
With objects and short lists
With objects and short lists
Start with the example
。
I drink coffee too.
Here replaces the object marker .
Notice the variation
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I bought bread and eggs too.
Repeated makes both items part of the same action.
More detail: how to apply this
can mark objects and can repeat across a short list.
When you see AB, read it as “both A and B” or “A and B too,” depending on the sentence.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I drink coffee too.
Here replaces the object marker .
。
I drink coffee too.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I drink coffee too.
Showing With objects and short lists: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I drink coffee too.
Here replaces the object marker .
Vocabulary notes
- コーヒー
- coffee
- 飲みます
- drink
Preview
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I bought bread and eggs too.
Repeated makes both items part of the same action.
Preview
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I study Japanese and kanji too.
This pattern often appears when talking about school subjects.
Vocabulary notes
- 日本語
- Japanese language
- 勉強します
- study
Section 3 of 4
Reading repeated も smoothly
Repeated includes each named item in the same predicate; read all of them before the ending.
Reading repeated も smoothly
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
includes the father in the statement. The repeated pattern is not choosing only one person.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When appears several times, do not stop at each one.
Group the repeated pattern together first, then read the rest of the sentence.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Both my father and mother get up early.
means “both my father and my mother.”
。
Both my father and mother get up early.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Both my father and mother get up early.
Showing Reading repeated も smoothly: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
Both my father and mother get up early.
means “both my father and my mother.”
Vocabulary notes
- も
- also; too
- 早く
- early; quickly
Preview
。
This shop and that shop are both quiet.
This sentence compares two places by adding both of them to the same description.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- あの
- that; that over there
Preview
。
I am going to the library today too.
A time word with means “today also” or “again today,” depending on context.
Vocabulary notes
- 図書館
- library
- 行きます
- go
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 .
adds the speaker to an already relevant group;
sets the topic without itself meaning also.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
adds the speaker to an already relevant group; sets the topic without itself meaning also.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: I also go / as for me, I go
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.