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
Present Negative
Form polite present negatives with .
Start with the example
。
I am not drinking coffee today.
is polite non-past negative; context decides present or future.
Notice the variation
。
I will not go to school tomorrow.
makes this a future negative.
More detail: how to apply this
Use to say that an action does not happen or will not happen.
The exact meaning depends on context and time expressions such as , , , or .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Check each verb’s ending separately, especially on either side of a contrast.
is positive: the speaker drinks coffee. The sentence denies breakfast but affirms coffee.
、 。
I do not eat breakfast, but I do drink coffee.
Check each verb’s ending separately, especially on either side of a contrast.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I am not drinking coffee today.
is polite non-past negative; context decides present or future.
Vocabulary notes
- コーヒー
- coffee
- のみません
- do not drink; will not drink
Compare in context
。
I will not go to school tomorrow.
makes this a future negative.
Vocabulary notes
- あした
- tomorrow
- いきません
- do not go; will not go
Compare in context
。
I do not watch much TV.
often appears with negative verbs.
Vocabulary notes
- テレビ
- TV; television
- あまり
- not very; not much
- みません
- do not watch; will not see
Section 2 of 4
Past Negative
Past Negative
Start with the example
。
I did not study yesterday.
is the polite past negative.
Notice the variation
。
I did not leave home on Sunday.
The negative shows the action did not happen on that day.
More detail: how to apply this
Use to say an action did not happen in the past.
This form is especially common in diaries, simple reports, and conversation about yesterday or last week.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I did not study yesterday.
is the polite past negative.
。
I did not study yesterday.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I did not study yesterday.
Showing Past Negative: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I did not study yesterday.
is the polite past negative.
Vocabulary notes
- きのう
- yesterday
- べんきょうしませんでした
- did not study
Preview
。
I did not leave home on Sunday.
The negative shows the action did not happen on that day.
Vocabulary notes
- でませんでした
- did not leave; did not go out
Preview
。
I did not go to that store last week.
Time words like help signal the past meaning quickly.
Vocabulary notes
- いきませんでした
- did not go
Section 3 of 4
Reading in Context
Check each verb’s ending separately, especially on either side of a contrast.
Reading in Context
、 。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
denies eating breakfast. The negative belongs to this action.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Negative verbs are often supported by time words.
Look for the time expression first, then read the verb ending to decide whether the action does not happen now or did not happen before.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
A: Did you watch a movie yesterday? B: No, I did not.
The short answer repeats the past negative form.
A: 。 B: 、。
A: Did you watch a movie yesterday? B: No, I did not.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: A: Did you watch a movie yesterday? B: No, I did not.
Showing Reading in Context: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
A: 。 B: 、。
A: Did you watch a movie yesterday? B: No, I did not.
The short answer repeats the past negative form.
Vocabulary notes
- いいえ
- no
- みませんでした
- did not watch; did not see
Preview
、 。
I do not eat breakfast, but I do drink coffee.
〜 contrasts a negative habit with a positive one.
Vocabulary notes
- あさごはん
- breakfast
- たべません
- do not eat; will not eat
- コーヒー
- coffee
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 .
adds past time to the polite negative.
Neither form is positive.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
adds past time to the polite negative. Neither form is positive.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Does not/will not go / did not go
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.