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Today's blog is about "Vocabulary-Building Tips from English Plus Lessons: The Prefix "un-""
Today we’d like to introduce another useful tip for building your English vocabulary more efficiently through lessons at English
Plus.
Many English learners feel:
・“It’s hard to remember vocabulary.”
・“I freeze when I see a word I don’t know.”
However, there are patterns in English that can help you guess the meaning of unfamiliar words.
One of the most useful tools is today’s topic: prefixes.
You Don’t Need to Memorize Every Word
There are countless English words, so trying to memorize every single one perfectly can feel overwhelming.
At English Plus, some students also tell us:
“I'm not good at memorizing vocabulary…”
But memorization is not the only way to learn words.
When you understand how words are built, you can become much stronger at understanding new vocabulary.
This approach is especially useful for learners preparing for:
・TOEIC
・Eiken
・TOEFL
・Business English communication
・Daily English conversation
Understanding word structure can make English study more logical and less stressful.
What Is a Prefix?
A prefix is a word part added to the beginning of a word.
By paying attention to prefixes, it becomes easier to guess the meaning of the whole word.
For example, even if you see an unfamiliar word on tests such as TOEIC or Eiken, knowledge of prefixes can help you stay calm and think logically.
At English Plus, we often introduce vocabulary-learning strategies like this during lessons so learners can study more efficiently and
confidently.
You may also enjoy reading other English-learning articles on our blog:
English Plus Official Blog on note
Today’s Prefix: un-
The prefix un- is one of the most common and important prefixes in English.
It often means:
・not
・opposite
・reverse / undo
When attached to adjectives, it often creates a negative meaning.
When attached to verbs, it often shows the opposite action.
Common Words with un-
1. unhappy
not happy / sad
Example:
She looks unhappy today.
（彼女は今日元気がなさそうです。）
2. unfair
not fair
Example:
That decision was unfair.
（その決定は不公平でした。）
3. unknown
not known
Example:
The cause is still unknown.
（原因はまだ分かっていません。）
4. unsafe
not safe / dangerous
Example:
This road is unsafe at night.
（この道は夜は危険です。）
Key Point
un- with Adjectives
happy → unhappy
fair → unfair
safe → unsafe
＝ not ~
un- with Verbs
lock → unlock
tie → untie
＝ reverse / undo the action
Summary
un- is one of the most essential prefixes in English.
Once you understand its meaning, you can become much stronger at guessing unfamiliar words.
Vocabulary Study Tip
Instead of memorizing each word one by one, try focusing on these three parts:
・prefixes
・roots
・suffixes
By paying attention to these “word parts,” vocabulary learning becomes much more efficient.
This is one reason why students at English Plus can continue learning English step by step in a practical and realistic way.
If you are interested in improving your vocabulary naturally, you may also enjoy articles from our study blog:
Read More English Learning Tips Here
Today’s Message
Even when you meet a word you don’t know, you do not need to give up right away.
Just remember:
un- = not / opposite / reverse
Keeping this small idea in mind can help your English study a lot.
Daily small efforts lead to real improvement.
English ability grows steadily through consistent exposure and practice.
Learn with English Plus
At English Plus, we offer lessons not only for conversation skills, but also for:
・vocabulary building
・study habits
・TOEIC preparation
・grammar review
・restarting English from the basics
・practical English communication
Recommended for people who:
・want to relearn English from the beginning
・want to improve vocabulary
・want to raise their TOEIC score
・are looking for an English school in Tamachi / Mita / Minato area
・want a learning environment that is easy to continue
English Plus has supported English learners in Tokyo since 2011.
We value practical learning methods that are easy to continue in daily life.
If you have any questions about English study, please feel free to contact us.
If you’d like to start learning English in Tamachi or Minato, English Plus is here to help.
Related Keywords
English vocabulary tips / prefix un meaning / TOEIC vocabulary study / Eiken vocabulary learning / English prefixes and suffixes / vocabulary building methods / English school in Tamachi /
English school in Minato-ku / business English Tokyo / beginner English lessons Tokyo
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