Japanese Language Lesson 10: Particles

In this lesson, you will learn an introduction to Japanese particles (specifically wa は, ni に, to と and de で). In the next lessons, we’ll discuss particles further along with more grammar and sentence structure!

Summary:

particle は (wa) = topic marker

Example: Mary goes. = Mary-san は (wa) ikimasu.

particle に (ni) – place + ni = indicates direction/place

Example: Mary goes to Boston. = Mary-san は (wa) Boston に (ni) ikimasu.

particle に (ni) – specific time + ni = indicates specific moment in time

Example: Mary goes to Boston at 3 o’clock. = Mary-san は (wa) Boston に (ni) sanji に (ni) ikimasu.

*For relative time (ex. tomorrow, next week, last year, next month, etc.) you do not use the particle ni. Only use ni for specific time.

particle と (to) – with someone + to = indicates with someone

Example: Mary goes to Boston with her mother. = Mary-san は (wa) Okaasan と (to) Boston に (ni) ikimasu.

particle で (de) – transportation + de = indicates mode of transportation

Example: Mary goes to Boston on a plane. = Mary-san は (wa) hikouki で (de) Boston に (ni) ikimasu.