Grammar JLPT Level N5 - Lesson 5

In this lesson about と, we will look at the common translation of 'with' that is associated with this particle. と shows that there is a relationship between (A) and (B), regardless of if that relationship is translated as 'and', or 'with'. In each case, the things that are marked with と are usually all performing some mutual action (that mutual action may simply be existing).

• カレーはご飯(はん)と食(た)べるよ。
  I eat curry with rice. (I eat rice 'and' curry)
• コーヒーを妻(つま)と飲(の)む。
  I drink coffee with my wife. (I 'and' my wife drink coffee)

When と is used as 'with', it means that both/all people or objects are equally involved in the action. However, に highlights that one person is the target (destination) of an action, so will result in something sounding a lot more one sided.

• 先生(せんせい)と話(はな)す。
  I will talk with my teacher. (Focus on both people talking)
• 先生(せんせい)に話(はな)す。
  I will talk to my teacher. (Focus on only one person talking)

Here we can see that both people are talking when と is used. It is a mutual conversation. When に is used, however, the person marked by に is being talked 'to', and is usually not actively participating in the conversation.