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 Frequency Words
Recognize the most common N5 frequency words.
Start with the example
。
I always wake up at six.
shows an almost fixed routine.
Notice the variation
。
My father often drinks coffee.
marks high frequency but not total frequency.
More detail: how to apply this
Words such as , , , and help you describe how often an action happens.
They usually appear before the main verb or after the topic phrase.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Distinguish a low-frequency action from a total negative such as 〜.
means cooks. The brother does cook, but only occasionally.
。
My older brother cooks once in a while.
Distinguish a low-frequency action from a total negative such as 〜.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I always wake up at six.
shows an almost fixed routine.
Vocabulary notes
- わたし
- I; me
- いつも
- always
- おきます
- wake up (polite)
Compare in context
。
My father often drinks coffee.
marks high frequency but not total frequency.
Vocabulary notes
- コーヒー
- coffee
- のみます
- drink (polite)
Compare in context
。
I sometimes go to the park.
shows an occasional action.
Vocabulary notes
- ときどき
- sometimes
- こうえん
- park
- いきます
- go
Section 2 of 4
Negative Frequency
Negative Frequency
Start with the example
。
I do not watch TV very much.
is usually paired with a negative verb.
Notice the variation
。
I do not go to that store very often.
highlights the destination being contrasted here.
More detail: how to apply this
A very common beginner pattern is + negative verb.
It means 'not very much' or 'not very often.'
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I do not watch TV very much.
is usually paired with a negative verb.
。
I do not watch TV very much.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I do not watch TV very much.
Showing Negative Frequency: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I do not watch TV very much.
is usually paired with a negative verb.
Vocabulary notes
- テレビ
- TV; television
- あまり
- not very; not much
- みません
- do not watch; will not see
Preview
。
I do not go to that store very often.
highlights the destination being contrasted here.
Vocabulary notes
- あまり
- not very; not much
- いきません
- do not go; will not go
Preview
。
I do not eat much meat.
Negative frequency sounds softer than a total denial.
Vocabulary notes
- あまり
- not very; not much
- たべません
- do not eat; will not eat
Section 3 of 4
Reading in Context
Distinguish a low-frequency action from a total negative such as 〜.
Reading in Context
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
makes the older brother the topic. Keep the frequency attached to his activity.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Frequency words are clues about lifestyle and habits.
In reading, they often appear in self-introductions, daily routine paragraphs, and surveys.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
On weekdays I always study, but on weekends I sometimes watch movies.
Two frequency words contrast weekday and weekend habits.
、 。
On weekdays I always study, but on weekends I sometimes watch movies.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: On weekdays I always study, but on weekends I sometimes watch movies.
Showing Reading in Context: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、 。
On weekdays I always study, but on weekends I sometimes watch movies.
Two frequency words contrast weekday and weekend habits.
Vocabulary notes
- べんきょうします
- study
- ときどき
- sometimes
Preview
。
My older brother cooks once in a while.
is another useful low-frequency word.
Vocabulary notes
- たまに
- once in a while
- りょうり
- cooking; cuisine
- します
- do
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 .
indicates frequency;
plus a negative means not very often, not never.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
indicates frequency; plus a negative means not very often, not never.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Goes often / does not go very often
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.