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
Reason first, result after
Use to give a reason before a result.
Start with the example
、。
Because it is raining, I am staying home.
The rain is the reason for staying home.
Notice the variation
、。
Because I like Japanese, I study every day.
The reason comes first, and the habit comes after it.
More detail: how to apply this
links a reason to what happens next.
Read the part before as the cause, then move to the result clause after it.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Keep the reason before separate from the decision it supports.
means goes on foot. The nearby shop explains the transport choice; walking does not cause the shop to be near.
、。
Because the shop is nearby, I will walk there.
Keep the reason before separate from the decision it supports.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
Because it is raining, I am staying home.
The rain is the reason for staying home.
Vocabulary notes
- うちに
- while still; before it changes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
Compare in context
、。
Because I like Japanese, I study every day.
The reason comes first, and the habit comes after it.
Vocabulary notes
- 日本語
- Japanese language
- 勉強します
- study
Compare in context
、。
Because today is Sunday, I am not going to school.
The reason explains why the speaker is not going.
Vocabulary notes
- 日曜日
- Sunday
- 行きません
- will not go
Section 2 of 4
Natural short reason answers
Natural short reason answers
Start with the example
、。
Because I got tired, I am going home.
The tiredness explains the decision to go home.
Notice the variation
、。
Because I do not have time, I am hurrying.
The lack of time explains the hurry.
More detail: how to apply this
In conversation, answers with can stay short, but the structure is the same: reason first, then the result or implied result.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Because I got tired, I am going home.
The tiredness explains the decision to go home.
、。
Because I got tired, I am going home.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Because I got tired, I am going home.
Showing Natural short reason answers: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
Because I got tired, I am going home.
The tiredness explains the decision to go home.
Vocabulary notes
- から
- from; because
Preview
、。
Because I do not have time, I am hurrying.
The lack of time explains the hurry.
Vocabulary notes
- から
- from; because
Preview
、。
Because I got hungry, I will eat bread.
The hunger becomes the reason for the next action.
Vocabulary notes
- おなか
- stomach; belly
- から
- from; because
- 食べます
- eat (polite)
Section 3 of 4
Reading reasons smoothly
Keep the reason before separate from the decision it supports.
Reading reasons smoothly
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The shop is nearby. That complete statement is the reason the writer offers.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When you read a sentence with , do not translate word by word.
First find the reason, then connect it to the action or result that follows.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Because there is a test tomorrow, I will study tonight.
A future event becomes the reason for studying tonight.
、。
Because there is a test tomorrow, I will study tonight.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Because there is a test tomorrow, I will study tonight.
Showing Reading reasons smoothly: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
Because there is a test tomorrow, I will study tonight.
A future event becomes the reason for studying tonight.
Vocabulary notes
- あります
- there is; there are
- 勉強します
- study
Preview
、。
Because this room is quiet, I will study here.
The quiet room explains where the speaker will study.
Vocabulary notes
- ここで
- here; at this place
- 勉強します
- study
Preview
、。
Because the shop is nearby, I will walk there.
The closeness of the shop explains the transportation choice.
Vocabulary notes
- から
- from; because
- 歩いて
- walking
- 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 .
Clause plus gives reason;
marks sequence after an action.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
Clause plus gives reason; marks sequence after an action.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Return because it is cold / eat after returning
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.