Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 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 3
High-Frequency Verb Set
Core beginner fluency depends on fast recognition of common verbs such as 行く, 来る, 帰る, 食べる, 飲む, 見る, 読む, 書く, 聞く, and 話す.
Target signal
まいにち 学校へ いきます。
I go to school every day.
いきます is one of the highest-frequency movement verbs.
Vocabulary notes
- いきます
- go
- まいにち
- every day
- ます
- polite verb ending
Compare in context
夜に 本を よみます。
I read a book at night.
Object + よみます is a common reading pattern.
Vocabulary notes
- よみます
- read
- ます
- polite verb ending
- に
- to; at; in; on
Compare in context
ともだちと はなします。
I talk with a friend.
と marks the person you talk with.
Vocabulary notes
- はなします
- speak; talk (polite)
- ともだち
- friend
- します
- do
Section 2 of 3
Natural Verb Pairings
Verbs become easier to remember when you learn them together with the nouns and particles they often use. Learn the chunk, not only the dictionary meaning.
Target signal
水を のみます。
I drink water.
を marks what is drunk here.
Vocabulary notes
- のみます
- drink (polite)
- ます
- polite verb ending
- の
- of; 's
Preview
音楽を ききます。
I listen to music.
ききます is used for music and other audio.
Vocabulary notes
- ききます
- listen; hear (polite)
- ます
- polite verb ending
- 音楽
- music
Preview
日本語を べんきょうします。
I study Japanese.
べんきょうします is a very common する-verb.
Vocabulary notes
- べんきょうします
- study
- べんきょう
- study; studying
- きょう
- today
Section 3 of 3
Reading in Context
In short reading passages, these verbs usually carry the main action. Identify the verb first, then ask who is doing it and when it happens.
Target signal
父は しごとの あとで うちに かえります。
My father returns home after work.
あとで places the return action after work.
Vocabulary notes
- かえります
- return home (polite)
- うちに
- while still; before it changes
- あとで
- later; afterward
Preview
わたしは あさ パンを たべて、コーヒーを のみます。
In the morning I eat bread and drink coffee.
The て-form links two routine actions in order.
Vocabulary notes
- コーヒー
- coffee
- のみます
- drink (polite)
- わたし
- I; me