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
How something looks now
Use 〜 with adjectives to describe appearance.
Start with the example
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This cake looks delicious.
Remove final from to get , then add : .
Notice the variation
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That bag looks heavy.
The visible appearance suggests that the bag is heavy.
More detail: how to apply this
Appearance expresses an impression from available signs.
For most -adjectives, remove and add : →.
is exceptional: .
-adjectives attach directly without : .
This differs from hearsay using the full plain predicate, which is introduced later.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Find the observed sign and separate the impression from an event that is already confirmed.
expresses the prediction from appearances. Rain is expected, but the sentence does not say it has started.
。。
The sky is dark. It looks like it is going to rain.
Find the observed sign and separate the impression from an event that is already confirmed.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
This cake looks delicious.
Remove final from to get , then add : .
Vocabulary notes
- ケーキ
- cake
Compare in context
。
That bag looks heavy.
The visible appearance suggests that the bag is heavy.
Vocabulary notes
- かばん
- bag
Compare in context
。
The child looks sleepy.
Some expressions like are learned as common appearance words.
Vocabulary notes
- 子ども
- child; children
Section 2 of 4
When an action seems likely soon
When an action seems likely soon
Start with the example
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It looks like it is going to rain.
The speaker sees signs such as dark clouds.
Notice the variation
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The baby looks like it is about to cry.
Verb-stem + can show something about to happen.
More detail: how to apply this
With verbs, use the stem before .
This often means an action seems likely to happen soon, based on current signs.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
It looks like it is going to rain.
The speaker sees signs such as dark clouds.
。
It looks like it is going to rain.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: It looks like it is going to rain.
Showing When an action seems likely soon: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
It looks like it is going to rain.
The speaker sees signs such as dark clouds.
Preview
。
The baby looks like it is about to cry.
Verb-stem + can show something about to happen.
Vocabulary notes
- 赤ちゃん
- baby
Preview
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The shop looks like it is about to close.
This describes an expected near-future event from visible evidence.
Section 3 of 4
Read the evidence behind そうです
Find the observed sign and separate the impression from an event that is already confirmed.
Read the evidence behind そうです
。
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Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
A dark sky provides the visible sign. The next sentence draws an impression from that sign.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Appearance is based on direct evidence.
In reading, look for clues before the sentence: a dark sky, a tired face, an empty shop, or something the speaker notices.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
The sky is dark. It looks like it is going to rain.
The first sentence gives the direct evidence.
。。
The sky is dark. It looks like it is going to rain.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: The sky is dark. It looks like it is going to rain.
Showing Read the evidence behind そうです: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。。
The sky is dark. It looks like it is going to rain.
The first sentence gives the direct evidence.
Preview
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My friend looked busy.
The past form describes how someone looked before.
Vocabulary notes
- 友だち
- friend
- でした
- was; were (polite)
Preview
。
This room looks quiet.
-adjectives attach to without .
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
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 .
Adjective stem plus describes an impression from appearance;
the plain adjective states the property.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
Adjective stem plus describes an impression from appearance; the plain adjective states the property.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Looks tasty / is tasty
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.