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
Core Numbers
Read and say common numbers from 1 to 100 and beyond in practical contexts.
Start with the example
。
Three apples, please.
Notice the variation
。
I am twenty years old.
has the familiar special reading . is also used, but is the everyday form to learn first.
More detail: how to apply this
Read the numbers 1–10: 、、、／、、、／、、／、.
Tens combine with : (20), (30).
The counter can change the reading: is ;
is usually .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Read the number and its unit together before deciding what quantity the text gives.
identifies the amount as yen. The number is a price, not a count of books.
。
This book is 1,200 yen.
Read the number and its unit together before deciding what quantity the text gives.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
Three apples, please.
Vocabulary notes
- りんご
- apple
- 三つ
- three things
- ください
- please give; please do
Compare in context
。
I am twenty years old.
has the familiar special reading . is also used, but is the everyday form to learn first.
Compare in context
。
This book is 1,200 yen.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- 千二百円
- 1,200 yen
Section 2 of 4
Practical Counting
Practical Counting
Start with the example
。
Two people will go.
Notice the variation
。
One water, please.
More detail: how to apply this
The general thing counts are 、、、、、、、、、.
People and objects can take different counters: is (two people), while two things is .
Read the counter together with the number.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Two people will go.
In this example, the message is: Two people will go.
。
Two people will go.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Two people will go.
Showing Practical Counting: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
Two people will go.
Vocabulary notes
- 二人
- two people
- いきます
- go
Preview
。
One water, please.
Vocabulary notes
- おねがいします
- please; I request
Preview
。
It is on the seventh floor.
Vocabulary notes
- 七階
- seventh floor
- あります
- there is; there are
Section 3 of 4
Reading in Context
Read the number and its unit together before deciding what quantity the text gives.
Reading in Context
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
gives one thousand. Do not read it as the digit one without its place value.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Numbers appear in menus, receipts, train platforms, and introductions.
Train yourself to connect the written number directly to meaning instead of translating one digit at a time.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
A: How much is it? B: It is 500 yen.
In this example, the message is: A: How much is it? B: It is 500 yen.
A: 。 B: 。
A: How much is it? B: It is 500 yen.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: A: How much is it? B: It is 500 yen.
Showing Reading in Context: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
A: 。 B: 。
A: How much is it? B: It is 500 yen.
Vocabulary notes
- いくらですか
- how much is it?
- 五百円
- 500 yen
Preview
。
The meeting is from eleven o'clock.
Vocabulary notes
- 十一時
- eleven o'clock
- から
- from; because
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 pair means one thing and two things?
More detail: what changes and why
Which pair means one thing and two things?
and are general thing counts.
counts clock hours;
people use a different counter.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
and are general thing counts. counts clock hours; people use a different counter.
Which pair means one thing and two things?
Supported meaning: ひとつ・ふたつ
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.