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
Build the obligation pattern
Build 〜 from the plain negative form.
Start with the example
。
I have to get up early tomorrow.
The whole predicate shows obligation about tomorrow morning.
Notice the variation
。
I must study tonight.
This sentence expresses a personal obligation for tonight.
More detail: how to apply this
Start with the plain negative, remove final , and add : →;
→;
→.
Do not keep and append a second negative ending.
The polite form ends .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Read the entire obligation ending before deciding whether the action is required, optional, or prohibited.
completes : writing is required. Read the whole ending as have to write.
。
I have to write my name.
Read the entire obligation ending before deciding whether the action is required, optional, or prohibited.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I have to get up early tomorrow.
The whole predicate shows obligation about tomorrow morning.
Compare in context
。
I must study tonight.
This sentence expresses a personal obligation for tonight.
Compare in context
。
I have to submit this document.
The same pattern is used with everyday tasks.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
Section 2 of 4
Meaning and tone
Meaning and tone
Start with the example
。
I have to go to the hospital today.
The speaker states a necessity, not a command to someone else.
Notice the variation
。
You must take off your shoes here.
The polite version often ends with .
More detail: how to apply this
This pattern usually sounds more objective than a direct command.
The polite variant often appears as 〜.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I have to go to the hospital today.
The speaker states a necessity, not a command to someone else.
。
I have to go to the hospital today.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I have to go to the hospital today.
Showing Meaning and tone: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I have to go to the hospital today.
The speaker states a necessity, not a command to someone else.
Preview
。
You must take off your shoes here.
The polite version often ends with .
Vocabulary notes
- ここで
- here; at this place
Preview
。
I must study before the test.
Reason words often explain why the obligation exists.
Section 3 of 4
Read the long chunk quickly
Read the entire obligation ending before deciding whether the action is required, optional, or prohibited.
Read the long chunk quickly
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
identifies what needs to be written: a name.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When you see 〜, recognize it as one obligation chunk.
Then connect it to the rest of the sentence.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Because I have to do homework, I am going home first.
is the obligation and the reason before . is the resulting decision.
、。
Because I have to do homework, I am going home first.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Because I have to do homework, I am going home first.
Showing Read the long chunk quickly: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
Because I have to do homework, I am going home first.
is the obligation and the reason before . is the resulting decision.
Vocabulary notes
- から
- from; because
- うち
- home; our place
Preview
。
I have to write my name.
Forms like are heavy-looking, so train your eye to spot the whole pattern.
Preview
。
I have to take medicine before breakfast.
Morning-routine sentences often use this pattern with time phrases.
Vocabulary notes
- あさごはん
- breakfast
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 .
Double-negative obligation requires going;
removes the need.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
Double-negative obligation requires going; removes the need.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Must go / need 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.