By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025
📘 Meaning & Usage
The particle **と** (to) has several uses in Japanese. It is a very versatile particle, and its meaning depends on the context. Some common uses of **と** include:
- As a conjunction to connect nouns: “and” or “with”
- To indicate the person or thing with whom/which you do an action: “with”
- To indicate a time when something happens: “when”
Structure:
- Connecting nouns: Noun + と + Noun (e.g., 犬と猫 – dog and cat)
- Indicating a companion: Noun + と + Verb (e.g., 友達と話す – talk with a friend)
- Indicating a specific time: Verb + と + (time expression) (e.g., 会うとき – when I meet)
💡 Example Sentences
- 犬と猫がいます。
There is a dog and a cat. - 友達と遊びます。
I will play with my friend. - 彼と話すとき、注意してください。
Be careful when you talk to him. - 彼女と一緒に映画を見ます。
I will watch a movie with her. - 日本語と英語を話します。
I speak Japanese and English.
📝 Grammar Notes
- **と** can be used to connect two nouns, and it typically means “and” in this context.
- When used with verbs, **と** indicates the person or thing with whom you do the action, meaning “with.” This is often used for companions or things you interact with.
- **と** can also be used to indicate a specific time or event when something happens. In this case, it can mean “when” or “at the time of.”
- **と** can also be used in fixed expressions like **とき** (toki – time, when) to refer to a specific moment or event.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of **と**:
- 私はアリス______話しました。
- 私は兄______映画を見ました。
- 彼は犬______散歩します。
- 毎朝、コーヒー______飲みます。
✔ Sample Answers:
- 私はアリスと話しました。
- 私は兄と映画を見ました。
- 彼は犬と散歩します。
- 毎朝、コーヒーと飲みます。
2. Translate into Japanese using **と**:
- I went to the park with my friend.
- The teacher talks with the students.
- They eat lunch together every day.
- When you go to the station, be careful.
✔ Sample Answers:
- 私は友達と公園に行きました。
- 先生は学生と話します。
- 彼らは毎日一緒に昼ごはんを食べます。
- 駅に行くとき、気をつけてください。
📚 Vocabulary List
- 犬（いぬ） – dog
- 猫（ねこ） – cat
- 友達（ともだち） – friend
- 話す（はなす） – to talk
- 映画（えいが） – movie
- 一緒（いっしょ） – together
🈷 Kanji List
- 犬（いぬ） – dog
- 猫（ねこ） – cat
- 話（はなし） – talk
- 一（いち） – one, together
🔗 Related Grammar
- や – Similar to **と**, **や** is used to list nouns, but it implies that the list is incomplete. It means “and” or “such as.”
- とき – Refers to “time” or “when” something happens, often used with **と** to indicate time-related actions.
- に – This particle can also indicate direction, destination, or time, but **と** has a stronger connection to people or actions done “with” someone.
🧠 Summary
- Meaning: **と** is a versatile particle used for connecting nouns, indicating a companion, or expressing time-related actions.
- Usage: It is used in various contexts, such as connecting nouns (“and”), indicating a companion (“with”), or indicating time (“when”).
- Level: JLPT N5
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I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.
