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
Core Frequency Words
Words such as いつも, よく, ときどき, and たまに help you describe how often an action happens. They usually appear before the main verb or after the topic phrase.
Target signal
わたしは いつも 六時に おきます。
I always wake up at six.
いつも shows an almost fixed routine.
Vocabulary notes
- おきます
- wake up (polite)
- いつも
- always
- わたし
- I; me
Compare in context
父は よく コーヒーを のみます。
My father often drinks coffee.
よく marks high frequency but not total frequency.
Vocabulary notes
- コーヒー
- coffee
- のみます
- drink (polite)
- ます
- polite verb ending
Compare in context
ときどき こうえんへ いきます。
I sometimes go to the park.
ときどき shows an occasional action.
Vocabulary notes
- いきます
- go
- こうえん
- park
- ときどき
- sometimes
Section 2 of 3
Negative Frequency
A very common beginner pattern is あまり + negative verb. It means 'not very much' or 'not very often.'
Target signal
テレビを あまり みません。
I do not watch TV very much.
あまり is usually paired with a negative verb.
Vocabulary notes
- みません
- do not watch; will not see
- あまり
- not very; not much
- テレビ
- TV; television
Preview
その 店へは あまり いきません。
I do not go to that store very often.
は highlights the destination being contrasted here.
Vocabulary notes
- いきません
- do not go; will not go
- あまり
- not very; not much
- ません
- polite negative verb ending
Preview
肉は あまり たべません。
I do not eat much meat.
Negative frequency sounds softer than a total denial.
Vocabulary notes
- たべません
- do not eat; will not eat
- あまり
- not very; not much
- ません
- polite negative verb ending
Section 3 of 3
Reading in Context
Frequency words are clues about lifestyle and habits. In reading, they often appear in self-introductions, daily routine paragraphs, and surveys.
Target signal
わたしは へいじつは いつも べんきょうしますが、週末は ときどき えいがを みます。
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
- べんきょう
- study; studying
- ときどき
- sometimes
Preview
兄は たまに りょうりを します。
My older brother cooks once in a while.
たまに is another useful low-frequency word.
Vocabulary notes
- りょうり
- cooking; cuisine
- します
- do
- たまに
- once in a while