に
JLPT Level: N5
Meanings
to indicate location/time/destination
to indicate the indirect object/recipient
to indicate purpose or goal in simple contexts
Usage
Noun + に
Time expression + に
Destination/Goal + に
Indirect object/recipient + に
Existence/occurrence with いる/ある + に (location)
Explanation
The particle に marks various relations that point to a location, a point in time, a destination, or the recipient of an action. It answers questions like where, when, to whom, or for what purpose in simple sentences. In everyday Japanese, に often marks where something exists, when something happens, where you are going, who receives something, or who you give/attach something to.
ここに本があります。
ここにほんがあります。
There is a book here.
学校に行きます。
がっこうにいきます。
I go to school.
7時に起きます。
しちじにおきます。
I wake up at 7 o'clock.
友達に手紙をあげます。
ともだちにてがみをあげます。
I give a letter to my friend.
電車に乗ります。
でんしゃにのります。
I ride a train.
先生に英語を教えます。
せんせいにえいごをおしえます。
I teach English to the teacher.