と

JLPT Level: N5

Meanings

with (accompaniment)

together with

along with

and (in sense of accompanying)

Usage

Noun/Pronoun + と

Verb (dictionary form) + と (to imply accompanying)

Explanation

The particle と marks accompaniment and is used to say that you do something with someone or something. It indicates who you are together with, or who you do an action with. It is used with animate nouns (people, animals) and some agency-like nouns. It is not the same as the listing/“and” meaning, which is often expressed with 〜と and 〜と to connect items in a list; for that nuance you might use 〜と and 〜とも. In typical sentences, place と after the person or thing you are accompanying, then the verb or action follows. It can also be used to quote what someone says in casual conversation, but in that case the meaning is different. Examples show everyday situations like going somewhere with someone, or doing an activity together with someone.

母と買い物に行く。

ははと　かいものに　いく。

I go shopping with my mother.

友達と映画を見た。

ともだちとえいがをみた。

I watched a movie with my friend.

彼と公園を散歩した。

かれとこうえんをさんぽした。

I walked in the park with him.

先生と話す。

せんせいと　はなす。

I talk with the teacher.

犬と一緒に散歩する。

いぬといっしょにさんぽする。

I take a walk with a dog.