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
i-Adjectives: Negative and Past
Conjugate i-adjectives into negative and past forms.
Start with the example
。
This room is not narrow.
Notice the variation
。
It was cold yesterday.
More detail: how to apply this
For an -adjective, replace the final with for the nonpast negative, for the past, or for the past negative.
(good) uses as its conjugation base: , , .
Add to these forms for polite speech.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Read adjective endings all the way through: first decide the time, then whether the quality is affirmed.
is the past negative of : the room was not spacious. Past does not automatically mean positive.
、 。
The hotel was clean, but the room was not spacious.
Read adjective endings all the way through: first decide the time, then whether the quality is affirmed.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
This room is not narrow.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
Compare in context
。
It was cold yesterday.
Vocabulary notes
- きのう
- yesterday
Compare in context
。
That test was not difficult.
Vocabulary notes
- その
- that
- テスト
- test
Section 2 of 4
na-Adjectives: Negative and Past
na-Adjectives: Negative and Past
Start with the example
。
This town is not quiet.
Notice the variation
。
The exam was easy.
More detail: how to apply this
For na-adjectives, use for the negative and for the past.
For the past negative, use .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
This town is not quiet.
In this example, the message is: This town is not quiet.
。
This town is not quiet.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: This town is not quiet.
Showing na-Adjectives: Negative and Past: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
This town is not quiet.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
Preview
。
The exam was easy.
Vocabulary notes
- しけん
- exam; test
Preview
。
That shop was not convenient.
Section 3 of 4
Reading in Context
Read adjective endings all the way through: first decide the time, then whether the quality is affirmed.
Reading in Context
、 。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
is a -adjective. makes its description past: the hotel was clean.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When you read a short description, adjective endings tell you whether the writer is talking about now or about the past.
Watch the endings closely: , , , , and .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
The hotel was clean, but the room was not spacious.
In this example, the message is: The hotel was clean, but the room was not spacious.
、 。
The hotel was clean, but the room was not spacious.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: The hotel was clean, but the room was not spacious.
Showing Reading in Context: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、 。
The hotel was clean, but the room was not spacious.
Vocabulary notes
- きれいでした
- was clean; was pretty
Preview
。
The road yesterday was not quiet.
Vocabulary notes
- きのうの
- yesterday's
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 .
negates an -adjective;
is its past negative.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
negates an -adjective; is its past negative.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Not expensive / was not expensive
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.