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
Ask with どこ and answer with place words
Ask where something or someone is with .
Start with the example
。
Where is the bathroom?
Notice the variation
。
The book is here.
More detail: how to apply this
Use to ask where something or someone is.
Short answers often use , , and .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Keep the person or object being located fixed while you find the place in the answer.
fits a person. The sentence locates the teacher without saying the teacher is going anywhere.
。
The teacher is in the classroom.
Keep the person or object being located fixed while you find the place in the answer.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
Where is the bathroom?
Vocabulary notes
- トイレ
- toilet; restroom
- どこ
- where
Compare in context
。
The book is here.
Vocabulary notes
- ここ
- here
Compare in context
。
The bag is there.
Vocabulary notes
- かばん
- bag
- そこ
- there
Section 2 of 4
Give fuller answers with location phrases
Give fuller answers with location phrases
Start with the example
。
The bathroom is over there.
Notice the variation
。
The book is on the desk.
More detail: how to apply this
You can also answer with fuller location phrases.
These often use with place words such as , , , and .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
The bathroom is over there.
In this example, the message is: The bathroom is over there.
。
The bathroom is over there.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: The bathroom is over there.
Showing Give fuller answers with location phrases: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
The bathroom is over there.
Vocabulary notes
- トイレ
- toilet; restroom
- あそこ
- over there
Preview
。
The book is on the desk.
Vocabulary notes
- あります
- there is; there are
Preview
。
The pencil is inside the bag.
Vocabulary notes
- えんぴつ
- pencil
- かばん
- bag
Section 3 of 4
Choose あります or います naturally
Keep the person or object being located fixed while you find the place in the answer.
Choose あります or います naturally
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The teacher is the person being located. The question behind this answer is “Where is the teacher?”
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Choose for things and for people and animals.
That one choice makes many location answers feel natural right away.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
The teacher is in the classroom.
In this example, the message is: The teacher is in the classroom.
。
The teacher is in the classroom.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: The teacher is in the classroom.
Showing Choose あります or います naturally: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
The teacher is in the classroom.
Vocabulary notes
- せんせい
- teacher
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
Preview
。
The person is in front of the library.
Vocabulary notes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
Preview
。
The cat is under the chair.
Vocabulary notes
- いす
- chair
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
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
You know an umbrella exists and want its location. Which question fits?
More detail: what changes and why
You know an umbrella exists and want its location.
Which question fits?
asks where an object is.
asks who;
asks about going.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
asks where an object is. asks who; asks about going.
You know an umbrella exists and want its location. Which question fits?
Supported meaning: かさは どこに ありますか。
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.