Reading Simple Opinions
This N4 reading lesson focuses on understanding simple opinion texts, such as blog posts or personal essays. You will practice recognizing phrases that signal agreement, disagreement, or nuanced perspectives, and learn to infer the author's viewpoint even when it is not explicitly stated.
🎯 Goal: Read short opinion passages and identify the writer's stance.
Lesson Content
Learning Goal
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to read a short opinion passage in Japanese and identify whether the writer is for, against, or neutral on a topic.
Concept
In Japanese, opinions are often signaled by key phrases at the end of sentences. The writer’s stance (support, opposition, or neutrality) is usually expressed through:
- ～と思う (to omou) – “I think…”
- ～べきだ (beki da) – “should”
- ～ないほうがいい (nai hou ga ii) – “it’s better not to”
- ～かもしれない (kamo shirenai) – “might / maybe”
By recognizing these patterns, you can quickly judge the writer’s position.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
1. Positive / Supportive Stance
The writer agrees or recommends something.
| Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ～べきだ (beki da) | “should” | 勉強するべきだ。 (Benkyou suru beki da.) – “You should study.” |
| ～たほうがいい (ta hou ga ii) | “it’s better to” | 早く寝たほうがいい。 (Hayaku neta hou ga ii.) – “It’s better to sleep early.” |
| ～と思う (to omou) | “I think” | これはいいと思う。 (Kore wa ii to omou.) – “I think this is good.” |
2. Negative / Opposing Stance
The writer disagrees or advises against something.
| Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ～ないほうがいい (nai hou ga ii) | “it’s better not to” | 無理しないほうがいい。 (Muri shinai hou ga ii.) – “It’s better not to overdo it.” |
| ～べきではない (beki dewa nai) | “should not” | 嘘をつくべきではない。 (Uso o tsuku beki dewa nai.) – “You should not lie.” |
| ～とは思わない (to wa omowanai) | “I don’t think” | それは正しいとは思わない。 (Sore wa tadashii to wa omowanai.) – “I don’t think that’s correct.” |
3. Neutral / Uncertain Stance
The writer is not firmly for or against.
| Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ～かもしれない (kamo shirenai) | “might / maybe” | 明日雨かもしれない。 (Ashita ame kamo shirenai.) – “It might rain tomorrow.” |
| ～と思うけど、… (to omou kedo, …) | “I think, but…” | いいと思うけど、わからない。 (Ii to omou kedo, wakaranai.) – “I think it’s good, but I’m not sure.” |
Mini Examples
Read these short opinion sentences. Identify the stance (positive / negative / neutral).
-
毎日運動するべきだ。
Mainichi undou suru beki da.
→ Stance: Positive (recommends exercise) -
この映画はつまらないと思う。
Kono eiga wa tsumaranai to omou.
→ Stance: Negative (thinks the movie is boring) -
新しいルールは必要かもしれない。
Atarashii ruuru wa hitsuyou kamo shirenai.
→ Stance: Neutral (uncertain)
Common Mistake
❌ Mistake: Thinking ～と思う always means the writer is 100% sure.
✅ Correction: ～と思う is often used to soften an opinion. It can be positive, negative, or neutral depending on the adjective/verb before it.
Example:
- いいと思う (ii to omou) = “I think it’s good” (positive)
- よくないと思う (yokunai to omou) = “I think it’s not good” (negative)
Always look at the word before と思う to decide the stance.
Quick Practice
Read each passage and write P (positive), N (negative), or ? (neutral).
-
毎日勉強するべきだ。
→ ___ -
この計画は危ないかもしれない。
→ ___ -
タバコを吸わないほうがいいと思う。
→ ___ -
新しいアプリは便利だと思う。
→ ___
Answers: 1. P, 2. ?, 3. N, 4. P
Summary and Next Step
You now know how to spot the writer’s stance using key opinion phrases:
- Positive: べきだ, たほうがいい, と思う (with positive words)
- Negative: ないほうがいい, べきではない, とは思わない
- Neutral: かもしれない, と思うけど
Next step: Practice reading short opinion paragraphs (2–3 sentences) and underline the stance markers. Then try writing your own opinion on a simple topic using these patterns.
Practice Drills
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Lesson Materials
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