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 na-Adjectives Do
Recognize common na-adjectives and how they differ from i-adjectives.
Start with the example
。
This town is quiet.
Notice the variation
。
It is a clean room.
More detail: how to apply this
Na-adjectives act like descriptive words, but they need when they come before a noun.
At the end of a sentence, they behave like noun-style predicates with .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Read description + + noun as a unit, then connect it to the rest of the sentence.
says the supermarket exists there. The convenience belongs to the supermarket, not automatically to the station.
。
There is a convenient supermarket near the station.
Read description + + noun as a unit, then connect it to the rest of the sentence.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
This town is quiet.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
Compare in context
。
It is a clean room.
Vocabulary notes
- きれいな
- clean; pretty (before a noun)
Compare in context
。
It is a famous restaurant.
Vocabulary notes
- ゆうめいな
- famous (before a noun)
- レストラン
- restaurant
Section 2 of 4
Using な Correctly
Using Correctly
Start with the example
。
It is a convenient app.
Notice the variation
。
This park is lively.
More detail: how to apply this
Before a noun, add .
At the end of a sentence, do not add .
This contrast is one of the most important early differences between i-adjectives and na-adjectives.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
It is a convenient app.
In this example, the message is: It is a convenient app.
。
It is a convenient app.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: It is a convenient app.
Showing Using な Correctly: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
It is a convenient app.
Vocabulary notes
- べんりな
- convenient (before a noun)
- アプリ
- app; application
Preview
。
This park is lively.
Vocabulary notes
- こうえん
- park
Preview
。
That person is kind.
Vocabulary notes
- あの
- that; that over there
Section 3 of 4
Reading in Context
Read description + + noun as a unit, then connect it to the rest of the sentence.
Reading in Context
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
locates something near the station. It does not yet name that thing.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Many high-frequency descriptive words are na-adjectives.
In simple reading passages, they often describe towns, people, classrooms, shops, and schedules.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
My class is lively, and the teacher is kind.
In this example, the message is: My class is lively, and the teacher is kind.
、 。
My class is lively, and the teacher is kind.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: My class is lively, and the teacher is kind.
Showing Reading in Context: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、 。
My class is lively, and the teacher is kind.
Vocabulary notes
- クラス
- class
Preview
。
There is a convenient supermarket near the station.
Vocabulary notes
- べんりな
- convenient (before a noun)
- スーパー
- supermarket
- あります
- there is; there are
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
Where is needed?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
Where is needed?
A -adjective takes when directly modifying a noun, but not before .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
A -adjective takes when directly modifying a noun, but not before .
Supported meaning: Before the noun へや in the first phrase
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.