Index

  • The に particle almost always marks some kind of target.
  • It marks physical targets (e.g γŠγΏγ›γ« = to shops), but may also mark volitional targets (e.g かいに = to buy).
  • As に can only be used with nouns, you must place godan verbs into the い-stem.
  • One function of the い-stem is to turn a verb into the equivalent noun.
  • It is possible to have multiple targets in one sentence marked by に.
  • γŠγΏγ›γ«γŸγΎγ”γ‚’γ‹γ„γ«γ„γ (I will go to the shops to buy eggs).
  • γŠγΏγ›γ«γ„γ (I will go to the shops).
  • に can mark past targets.
  • に can therefore be used to mark locations which the subject is already present at. In order for something or someone to be anywhere it must’ve gotten there at some point.
  • γŠγΏγ›γ«γ„γ‚‹ (I am at the shops).
  • に can be used for inanimate objects as well as people.
  • に can mark the target of a transformation. It marks something which the subject is transforming into.
  • E.g γ•γγ‚‰γ―γ‹γˆγ‚‹γ«γͺった (Sakura became a frog).
  • This also applies to ageing.
  • E.g ことし十八歳にγͺγ‚‹ (This year I become 18 years old).
  • To use an adjective as the target, remove the い to expose the stem, and add く.
  • E.g γ•γγ‚‰γŒηΎŽγ—γγͺった (Sakura became beautiful).
  • The へ particle can be also be used to mark a target, but only in cases where the subject is moving towards this target, and the target is physical. に can also be used in such a situation.
  • へ cannot do things like marking past targets, it is simply for marking what the subject is heading to.