Migii JLPT
Migii JLPT
Open Migii JLPT app
Open
BackBack

Grammar JLPT Level N5 - Lesson 4

Structure of を:

Object +

Details about を:

In Japanese, is a particle that marks the object of an action. This means that the subject (the person or thing performing an action) is performing that action with the object being the goal/target of the action. In most cases, whatever is attached to will not actually be 'doing' anything, but will instead have something being done to it.
  • ラーメン()
    To eat ramen.
  • (うた)(うた)います
    To sing a song.
In these sentences, is marking the thing that is having an action performed 'on' it. This is how the Japanese language views the 'object'. However, unlike English, an object can also be a place in which an action is performed 'through', if the goal of that action is based in that location itself.
  • 公園(こうえん)(ある)
    To walk through a park. (The park is the object that 'walking' is being performed through)
  • 建物(たてもの)(なか)(はし)
    To run through a building. (The inside of the building is the object that 'running' is being performed through)
In these sentences, is marking the place 'through' which the action is taking place. This use of highlights that the place itself is what is being interacted with (running/walking requires interaction with the ground, so the ground/place is the object).

Usage Notes for を:

Synonyms for を:

Subject marking particle, Identification particle

Example of を

漢字(かんじ)(おぼ)える

To memorize kanji.

(なに)()べます

What will you have to eat?

バター()べる

To eat butter.

スポーツ()

To watch sports.

時計(とけい)()

To look at the clock.

Grammar same lesson

る-Verb (Dictionary)

る + ます (Ichidan Verbs)
See detailsreport

あそこ

Over there
See detailsreport

In, At, To, For, On
See detailsreport

う-Verb (Dictionary)

う + ます (Godan Verbs)
See detailsreport
Practice
JLPT Practice
Review after tedious theory lessons.
Practice nownext
Practice
JLPT Mock Test
Let’s see how far you’ve honed your knowledge!
Take mock test nownext
Close image