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 Preference Pattern
Use and to describe preferences.
Start with the example
。
I like cats.
The liked thing is usually marked by .
Notice the variation
。
My older sister dislikes coffee.
uses the same core pattern as .
More detail: how to apply this
and behave like descriptive words.
The thing you like or dislike is commonly marked with .
This pattern is one of the most common ways to talk about preferences in beginner Japanese.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Read the exception after before concluding that a preference applies equally to everything.
means does not like them very much. It qualifies the general preference rather than rejecting all fruit.
、 。
I like fruit, but I do not like bananas very much.
Read the exception after before concluding that a preference applies equally to everything.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I like cats.
The liked thing is usually marked by .
Vocabulary notes
- わたし
- I; me
- すきです
- like; am fond of
Compare in context
。
My older sister dislikes coffee.
uses the same core pattern as .
Vocabulary notes
- コーヒー
- coffee
- きらいです
- dislike; do not like
Compare in context
。
I like music.
The subject can be omitted when it is already clear.
Vocabulary notes
- 音楽
- music
- すきです
- like; am fond of
Section 2 of 4
Asking About Preferences
Asking About Preferences
Start with the example
。
What do you like?
asks about the liked item itself.
Notice the variation
。
I like soccer.
A noun + is the standard answer.
More detail: how to apply this
To ask about preferences, use or ask about a category such as .
Answer with a noun + .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
What do you like?
asks about the liked item itself.
。
What do you like?
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: What do you like?
Showing Asking About Preferences: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
What do you like?
asks about the liked item itself.
Vocabulary notes
- すきですか
- what do you like?; do you like…?
Preview
。
I like soccer.
A noun + is the standard answer.
Vocabulary notes
- サッカー
- soccer
- すきです
- like; am fond of
Preview
。
What kind of books do you like?
asks for a type or category, not one item only.
Vocabulary notes
- どんな
- what kind of
- すきですか
- what do you like?; do you like…?
Section 3 of 4
Reading in Context
Read the exception after before concluding that a preference applies equally to everything.
Reading in Context
、 。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The speaker likes fruit as a general category. That does not yet establish every individual fruit preference.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Preference sentences appear in profiles, classroom interviews, and self-introductions.
Look for after the liked thing and notice whether the writer is giving one item or several.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I like fruit, but I do not like bananas very much.
introduces contrast before the second preference.
、 。
I like fruit, but I do not like bananas very much.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I like fruit, but I do not like bananas very much.
Showing Reading in Context: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、 。
I like fruit, but I do not like bananas very much.
introduces contrast before the second preference.
Vocabulary notes
- くだもの
- fruit
- すきです
- like; am fond of
- あまり
- not very; not much
Preview
。
My younger brother dislikes studying.
Activities can also be treated as liked or disliked things.
Vocabulary notes
- べんきょう
- study; studying
- きらいです
- dislike; do not like
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 .
describes a preference with ;
is an eating action with .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
describes a preference with ; is an eating action with .
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Likes fish / eats fish
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.