Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 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 3
What i-Adjectives Do
Most i-adjectives end in い in their plain form. They can come directly before a noun or end a sentence with です in polite speech.
Target signal
この ほんは おもしろいです。
This book is interesting.
Notice how i-Adjectives shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- おもしろい
- interesting
- この
- this
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
Compare in context
あたらしい かばんです。
It is a new bag.
Notice how i-Adjectives shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- あたらしい
- new
- かばん
- bag
- たら
- if; when
Compare in context
きょうは さむいです。
It is cold today.
Notice how i-Adjectives shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- きょう
- today
- さむい
- cold
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
Section 2 of 3
Before Nouns and at the End
When an i-adjective comes before a noun, do not add な. The adjective directly modifies the noun. At the end of a sentence, the adjective can stand on its own with or without です depending on register.
Target signal
やすい レストランを しっています。
I know an inexpensive restaurant.
Notice how i-Adjectives shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- しっています
- know; am familiar with
- レストラン
- restaurant
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
Preview
その みちは ながいです。
That road is long.
Notice how i-Adjectives shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ながい
- long
- その
- that
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
Preview
この ケーキは あまいです。
This cake is sweet.
Notice how i-Adjectives shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- あまい
- sweet
- ケーキ
- cake
- この
- this
Section 3 of 3
Reading in Context
In short reading passages, i-adjectives help the reader quickly identify opinions and qualities. They often answer questions such as 'What kind of thing is it?' or 'How is it?'
Target signal
わたしの まちは しずかで、みずが きれいです。
My town is quiet, and the water is clean.
Notice how i-Adjectives shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- きれい
- pretty; neat
- しずか
- quiet
- わたし
- I; me
Preview
この くつは かるいので、たくさん あるけます。
These shoes are light, so I can walk a lot.
Notice how i-Adjectives shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- あるけます
- can walk
- たくさん
- many; a lot
- かるい
- light; lightweight