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
Months and Days of the Week
Recognize and say the twelve months and seven days of the week.
Start with the example
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The meeting is in April.
Month words use number + .
Notice the variation
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The test is on Tuesday.
Day-of-week words often mark when an event happens.
More detail: how to apply this
Month names use a number plus , read : is and is .
Watch the conventional readings , , and .
Weekdays are 、、、、、、: Monday through Sunday.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Read month, day, then the expression connecting that date to the event.
makes August 4 the deadline. Submitting earlier is allowed; it does not mean start on that day.
。
Please submit the homework by August 4th.
Read month, day, then the expression connecting that date to the event.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
The meeting is in April.
Month words use number + .
Vocabulary notes
- 会議
- meeting
- あります
- there is; there are
Compare in context
。
The test is on Tuesday.
Day-of-week words often mark when an event happens.
Vocabulary notes
- テスト
- test
- 火曜日
- Tuesday
- あります
- there is; there are
Compare in context
。
Japanese class is on Friday.
Class schedules often use weekday + .
Vocabulary notes
- 日本語
- Japanese language
- クラス
- class
- あります
- there is; there are
Section 2 of 4
Calendar Dates
Calendar Dates
Start with the example
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Today is July 2nd.
Japanese dates normally go month first, then day.
Notice the variation
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My birthday is November 3rd.
Birthdays use the same month-day order.
More detail: how to apply this
Dates use the day-of-month system, and some readings are irregular.
Learn the most common ones first, especially , , , , and .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Today is July 2nd.
Japanese dates normally go month first, then day.
。
Today is July 2nd.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Today is July 2nd.
Showing Calendar Dates: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
Today is July 2nd.
Japanese dates normally go month first, then day.
Vocabulary notes
- 七月二日
- July 2nd
Preview
。
My birthday is November 3rd.
Birthdays use the same month-day order.
Vocabulary notes
- たんじょうび
- birthday
- 十一月三日
- November 3rd
Preview
。
The exam is on the 20th.
is a special date reading worth memorizing.
Vocabulary notes
- しけん
- exam; test
- 二十日
- twentieth day of the month
- あります
- there is; there are
Section 3 of 4
Reading in Context
Read month, day, then the expression connecting that date to the event.
Reading in Context
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Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
is , August. marks the month here.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Dates show up in announcements, calendars, homework instructions, and reservations.
Identify the month, then the day, then any day-of-week clue around it.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Please submit the homework by August 4th.
marks the deadline for submitting. .
。
Please submit the homework by August 4th.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Please submit the homework by August 4th.
Showing Reading in Context: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
Please submit the homework by August 4th.
marks the deadline for submitting. .
Preview
。
The store is closed on Mondays and Thursdays.
identifies the two regular closing days.
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 .
forms a month name;
is the special reading for day one.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
forms a month name; is the special reading for day one.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: January / the first day of a month
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.