Migii JLPT
Migii JLPT
Open Migii JLPT app
Open
BackBack

Grammar JLPT Level N5 - Lesson 4

Structure of に:

Noun +

Details about に:

can be a very difficult particle to master in Japanese, as it has many different translations in English. These translations are usually 'in', 'at', 'to', 'for', or 'on'. Let's look at an example of each meaning.
  • (かれ)部屋(へや)ます
    He is in his room. (に as 'in')
  • (わたし)(いえ)ます
    I'm at home. (に as 'at')
  • 公園(こうえん)()
    To go to the park. (に as 'to')
  • (わたし)誕生日(たんじょうび)ケーキ()
    I will eat cake for my birthday. (に as 'for')
  • バス()
    To ride on the bus. (に as 'on')
While these examples may seem quite confusing at first, it will be easier to think of as always having one 'basic' meaning. That meaning is to be the 'end-point' of an action. This means that whatever action is being described, can only be considered complete/able to be completed once you're at/while you're at the location/time described in the sentence.
  • マンション()
    To live in an apartment.
  • 旅館(りょかん)()
    To stay at a hostel.
Verbs like ()む (to live/dwell) often confuse learners, as they use instead of . This is also due to the fact that ()む is a verb that can only be 'completed' at the destination. (You can only complete the act of living/dwelling in the place that you live, so to speak).

Usage Notes for に:

Synonyms for に:

At, In
にて
In, At, With, Using, By

Example of に

(かれ)あそこいます

He is at that place over there.

ここ(ほん)()

To place a book on this place (here).

この(つくえ)(うえ)(すわ)

To sit on this desk.

(えき)()

To go to the station.

病院(びょういん)()

To go to the hospital.

Grammar same lesson

Object marking particle
See detailsreport

る-Verb (Dictionary)

る + ます (Ichidan Verbs)
See detailsreport

あそこ

Over there
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