In the Japanese language, particles play a crucial role in determining the grammatical function of words and phrases within a sentence. One important category of particles is the particles of time, which are used to indicate the time-related aspects of a sentence. These particles help establish the timing, duration, and frequency of events or actions in Japanese sentences. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different particles of time in Japanese, provide example sentences, and explain their usage and nuances.
に (ni) – Particle for Specific Time Points
The particle に (ni) is commonly used to indicate specific points in time when an action or event occurs. It can be translated as “at” or “on” in English. Here are some example sentences to illustrate its usage:
私は明日に学校へ行きます。
Watashi wa ashita ni gakkō e ikimasu.
I will go to school tomorrow.
彼女は七時に家に帰ります。
Kanojo wa shichiji ni ie ni kaerimasu.
She will go home at 7 o’clock.
で (de) – Particle for Actions Taking Place at a Location
The particle で (de) is used to indicate the location where an action or event takes place. It can also be used to express the time at which an action occurs. Here are some examples:
私たちは公園でピクニックをします。
Watashitachi wa kōen de pikunikku o shimasu.
We will have a picnic at the park.
あの映画は夜９時で始まります。
Ano eiga wa yoru ku-ji de hajimarimasu.
That movie starts at 9 p.m.
から (kara) – Particle for Starting Points
The particle から (kara) is used to indicate the starting point of an action or event. It can be translated as “from” in English. Here are some examples:
私は１０時から仕事を始めます。
Watashi wa jū-ji kara shigoto o hajimemasu.
I will start working from 10 o’clock.
授業は月曜日から始まります。
Jugyō wa getsuyōbi kara hajimarimasu.
Classes start from Monday.
まで (made) – Particle for End Points
The particle まで (made) is used to indicate the end point of an action or event. It can be translated as “until” in English. Here are some examples:
私たちは午後５時まで遊びます。
Watashitachi wa gogo go-ji made asobimasu.
We will play until 5 p.m.
彼は昨日の夜中まで勉強しました。
Kare wa kinō no yonaka made benkyō shimashita.
He studied until midnight yesterday.
にから (nikara) – Particle for Duration
The particle にから (nikara) is used to indicate the duration of an action or event. It can be translated as “from…to” in English. Here are some examples:
飛行機は東京から大阪まで２時間かかります。
Hikōki wa Tōkyō kara Ōsaka made ni-jikan kakarimasu.
The flight takes two hours from Tokyo to Osaka.
ミーティングは午前１０時から午後３時まで続きます。
Mītingu wa gozen jū-ji kara gogo san-ji made tsuzukimasu.
The meeting will continue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
によって (ni yotte) – Particle for Means or Method
The particle によって (ni yotte) is used to indicate the means or method by which an action or event occurs. It can also be used to express “due to” or “by.” Here are some examples:
電車によって学校に通います。
Densha ni yotte gakkō ni kayoimasu.
I commute to school by train.
天候によって試合が延期されました。
Tenkō ni yotte shiai ga enki saremashita.
The match was postponed due to the weather.
These are some of the key particles of time in Japanese that are used to express different time-related aspects in sentences. It is important to remember that particles often interact with other elements of the sentence, such as verbs, nouns, and adverbs, to convey the intended meaning accurately. By mastering the usage of these particles, learners can effectively communicate time-related information in Japanese.
Originally posted 2023-07-13 15:44:22.