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
What i-Adjectives Do
Recognize common i-adjectives and their dictionary forms.
Start with the example
。
This book is interesting.
Notice the variation
。
It is a new bag.
More detail: how to apply this
Most i-adjectives end in in their plain form.
They can come directly before a noun or end a sentence with in polite speech.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Match each adjective to its noun before combining the descriptions.
describes the streets as wide. A small town can have wide streets; the two adjectives do not describe the same noun.
、 。
My town is small, but the streets are wide.
Match each adjective to its noun before combining the descriptions.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
This book is interesting.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
Compare in context
。
It is a new bag.
Vocabulary notes
- あたらしい
- new
- かばん
- bag
Compare in context
。
It is cold today.
Vocabulary notes
- きょう
- today
Section 2 of 4
Before Nouns and at the End
Before Nouns and at the End
Start with the example
。
I know an inexpensive restaurant.
Notice the variation
。
That road is long.
More detail: how to apply this
When an i-adjective comes before a noun, do not add .
The adjective directly modifies the noun.
At the end of a sentence, the adjective can stand on its own with or without depending on register.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I know an inexpensive restaurant.
In this example, the message is: I know an inexpensive restaurant.
。
I know an inexpensive restaurant.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I know an inexpensive restaurant.
Showing Before Nouns and at the End: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I know an inexpensive restaurant.
Vocabulary notes
- レストラン
- restaurant
- しっています
- know; am familiar with
Preview
。
That road is long.
Vocabulary notes
- その
- that
Preview
。
This cake is sweet.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- ケーキ
- cake
Section 3 of 4
Reading in Context
Match each adjective to its noun before combining the descriptions.
Reading in Context
、 。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
describes the town as small. Keep that adjective attached to .
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
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?'
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
My town is small, but the streets are wide.
and are both -adjectives. connects the contrasting descriptions.
、 。
My town is small, but the streets are wide.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: My town is small, but the streets are wide.
Showing Reading in Context: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、 。
My town is small, but the streets are wide.
and are both -adjectives. connects the contrasting descriptions.
Preview
、 。
These shoes are light, so I can walk a lot.
Vocabulary notes
- かるい
- light; lightweight
- たくさん
- many; a lot
- あるけます
- can walk
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
Which keeps the adjective directly before the noun: a new book?
More detail: what changes and why
Which keeps the adjective directly before the noun: a new book?
The full -adjective attaches directly to ;
no is inserted.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
The full -adjective attaches directly to ; no is inserted.
Which keeps the adjective directly before the noun: a new book?
Supported meaning: あたらしい ほん
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.