Everyone who studies Japanese has probably experienced the mistake of confusing "ni" and "de."
In today's blog post, let's sort out these two particles.
1. “Ni” and “de” are confused when talking about places.
2. Various ways to use “ni”
3. Various ways to use “de”
1. “Ni” and “de” are confused when talking about places.
The only time you can go wrong using ``ni'' and ``de'' is when talking about [place] .
Example A "ni": At school,...
Example B "de": At school,...
Both seem to be able to speak correct Japanese sentences. The difference is found in the verb part at the end of the sentence.
Let's complete the two examples above.
→Example A: Go to school.
→Example B: Study at school.
Particles attach to the previous word in a sentence.
Therefore, ``to school'' and ``at school'' are one block of words .
However, when you select "ni" and "de", you must already have decided what to say after that (the end of the sentence) .
The conclusions can be summarized as follows.
■``Ni'' points to a location . point.
■``De'' is used to talk about a place as a stage for doing something .
In this way , we can distinguish between "ni" and "de."
I'll give you an example sentence so you can get a feel for the feelings of "ni" and "de". And let's remember.
■Example sentences for "ni" to point to a location
Example: I forgot my bag at work.
Example: I go to the gym every day.
Example: There is a big jungle gym in the park.
Example: I want to forget about work when I'm at home.
Example: I plan to live in Japan forever.
■Example sentences for "de" to talk about a place as a stage
Example: I have a meeting at work.
Example: I am working hard on weight training at the gym.
Example: Apparently a drama was being filmed in the park.
Example: I like having dinner with my family at home.
Example: I am working in Japan.
All of the examples of sentences using "de" indicate a place where some kind of action (activity) is to be performed .
On the other hand, you can see that in the example sentences using "ni" , location information is shown as a point (/spot) .
It is true that ``ni'' and ``de'' are particles that can be easily confused with words of place. However, if you remember the points above and speak Japanese, you will definitely be able to speak beautiful Japanese without mistakes.
Beautiful particle technique is essential for beautiful Japanese.
Let's do our best to become fluent in Japanese!
2. Various ways to use “ni”
It's not just the location.
The particle ``ni'' can be used in many cases.
Below are some examples that come to mind.
■hour/hour+
Example: I'll be home at 5 o'clock .
Example: Let's meet on Wednesday .
Example: I go to the gym twice a week .
Example: I'm planning to get married in two years .
*The information points to "hour/hour".
■For people+
Example: It's been a while since I saw him .
Example: Let's ask the teacher a question.
Example: I was called by the manager .
Example: I got an autograph from my favorite celebrity .
*We focus on "people" as information.
■To the purpose of action +
Example: I came to Tokyo to see him.
Example: I'm going to the convenience store to buy ice cream .
Example: I want to go see a movie .
Example: Let's go for a drive ! If it's sunny tomorrow, then.
*The information points to the "purpose of the action."
■Beyond change+
Example: It looks like it's going to rain at night.
Example: If I'm this busy, I'll get sick .
Example: Get well soon!
Example: Cherry blossom season is coming soon.
*The information points to "beyond change."
■Position+
Example: Various things are scattered on the desk .
Example: Ideas are well organized in my head .
Example: A convenience store has opened next to my house .
Example: He has a cross-shaped scar on his cheek .
*We point to "location" as information.
■In direction +
Example: Please turn right .
Example: Go north-northwest !
Example: You can see Mt. Fuji over there .
Example: There are many shops near the station , so let's take a walk.
*We point out "direction" as information.
3. Various ways to use “de”
It's not just the location.
The particle "de" can be used in many cases.
Below are some examples that come to mind.
■With tools +
Example: Please write with a black ballpoint pen .
Example: It's difficult to eat tofu with chopsticks .
Example: You can now do a lot of things with just your smartphone .
Example: Staple it together and you're done!
*You are talking about using "tools" as information.
■With method +
Example: Let's meet on Google Meet .
Example: You can pay by barcode payment .
Example: With effort , you can solve almost any problem.
Example: It's not a deductive method. Thinking inductively creates correct knowledge.
*You're talking about selecting and using "methods" as information.
■With materials +
Example: Tatami mats are made from straw and rushes .
Example: A house built with wood smells really good!
Example: It's bread made from rice ! this.
Example: In February in Sapporo, statues made of snow and ice decorate the town.
*You are teaching about "materials" for information.
■◯◯word/～word+
Example: I want you to speak fluently in Japanese .
Example: "Hello" in Spanish is "hola".
Example: When you are angry, young people say "geki oko".
Example: "Yama" is a police word that means "incident."
*This indicates that "◯◯word/〜word" is used as information.
■Vehicle+
Example: Let's go by train .
Example: You can still see police officers patrolling on horses .
Example: When you come to Asakusa, take a rickshaw ride around town!
Example: My dream is to travel around Japan on foot .
*For information, you are talking about using "vehicles" to get around.
■Condition+
Example: Get a good night's sleep the night before so you can take the exam in perfect physical condition .
Example: If you kick the ball from this angle , you'll definitely score a goal!
Example: Store at below 10℃ .
Example: I think there is no problem as is . This report was well written.
*It tells you that a "condition" is set for information.
Above, I have selected some commonly spoken Japanese sentences as examples.
We hope that you will find this helpful as a reference for your Japanese studies.
In today's blog post, we will focus on the particles ``ni'' and ``de'' , focusing on ① ways to avoid mistakes when speaking them together with words for place , and ② looking at examples of their use .
The more you study and the closer you become to being a native speaker, the more you will need to know complex rules for organizing words.
This applies not only to particles such as "ni" and "de," but also to all Japanese sentence patterns.
If you have any questions about studying or concerns about Japanese, please feel free to let us know.
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