Unit 5 - Section 4: Particles を・に・で

Practice Quiz

Particles を・に・で (Object, Target, Location)

Master the three most important particles in Japanese grammar. Particles indicate the relationship between words and are crucial for sentence structure.

を (wo) - Direct Object Particle

Usage: Marks the direct object of an action verb

Pattern: [Noun] + を + [Verb]

Examples:
本ほんを読よみます。
[Hon wo yomimasu]
Translation: I read a book.
水みずを飲のみます。
[Mizu wo nomimasu]
Translation: I drink water.
映画えいがを見みます。
[Eiga wo mimasu]
Translation: I watch a movie.
Tip: を is only used with transitive verbs (verbs that have a direct object). Most English "I do X" sentences use を.

に (ni) - Target/Destination/Location Particle

Usage: Marks destination, target, or specific location/time

Pattern: [Location/Time] + に + [Verb]

1. Destination (with movement verbs):
学校がっこうに行いきます。
[Gakkou ni ikimasu]
Translation: I go to school.
2. Location (for state/position):
図書館としょかんに猫ねこがいます。
[Toshokan ni neko ga imasu]
Translation: There is a cat in the library.
3. Specific time:
九時くじに起おきます。
[Kuji ni okimasu]
Translation: I wake up at 9 o'clock.
Note: へ (e) can also mark direction/destination and is very similar to に, but へ emphasizes the direction more.

で (de) - Location of Action / Means Particle

Usage: Marks where an action takes place OR the means/tool used

Pattern: [Location/Tool] + で + [Verb]

1. Location where action happens:
図書館としょかんで勉強べんきょうします。
[Toshokan de benkyou shimasu]
Translation: I study in the library.
2. Means/tool/material:
ペンpenで書かきます。
[Pen de kakimasu]
Translation: I write with a pen.
電車でんしゃで行いきます。
[Densha de ikimasu]
Translation: I go by train.

Quick Comparison Chart

Particle Function Example Translation
を Direct object 本を読む read a book
に Destination / location 学校に行く go to school
に Specific time 9時に起きる wake up at 9
で Location of action 図書館で勉強する study in library
で Tool/means ペンで書く write with a pen

Practice Sentences

私は学校でコーヒーを飲みます。
[Watashi wa gakkou de koohii wo nomimasu]
Translation: I drink coffee at school.
  • 学校で = で marks WHERE the action happens
  • コーヒーを = を marks the DIRECT OBJECT
9時に図書館で本を読みます。
[Kuji ni toshokan de hon wo yomimasu]
Translation: I read a book in the library at 9 o'clock.
  • 9時に = に marks SPECIFIC TIME
  • 図書館で = で marks WHERE the action happens
  • 本を = を marks the DIRECT OBJECT

Study Tips

Master Particles:
  • を (wo): Think "what" - what are you doing to something?
  • に (ni): Think destination/target - where are you going?
  • で (de): Think location - where is the action happening?
  • Practice: Write 5 sentences using each particle
  • Real world: Read Japanese sentences and identify the particles
Course Navigation
Study Tips
  • Read each example carefully
  • Practice pronunciation aloud
  • Create your own sentences to reinforce memory
  • Finish the section quiz