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JLPT N5 grammar comparison

に (time, destination, location of existence, indirect object) vs へ (direction)

By Nihongo PathUpdated

The difference

From the に (time, destination, location of existence, indirect object) lesson

へ (direction): へ is direction (toward); に is the arrival point. With 行く／来る both are fine.

From the へ (direction) lesson

に (time, destination, location of existence, indirect object): に is the arrival point and has many other uses (time, existence, recipient). へ is only direction.

Side by side

に (time, destination, location of existence, indirect object)

ni (time, place, recipient) · JLPT N5

Meaning
"at / on / in / to / for" — a point in time, destination, place where something exists, recipient.
Formation
Time + に (三時に、日曜日に)Place + に + あります／います／住んでいますPlace + に + 行きます／来ます／帰りますPerson + に + あげます／書きます／電話します／会います

  1. 六時に起きます。

    ろくじに おきます。

    I get up at six.

  2. 机の上に本があります。

    つくえの うえに ほんが あります。

    There is a book on the desk.

Full lesson on に (time, destination, location of existence, indirect object)

へ (direction)

e (direction) · JLPT N5

Meaning
"to / toward" — direction of movement. Pronounced え.
Formation
Place + へ + 行きます／来ます／帰りますPlace + へ + の + noun (日本への手紙)

  1. 日本へ行きます。

    にほんへ いきます。

    I am going to Japan.

  2. 駅へ歩きます。

    えきへ あるきます。

    I walk to the station.

Full lesson on へ (direction)

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between に (time, destination, location of existence, indirect object) and へ (direction)?

へ is direction (toward); に is the arrival point. With 行く／来る both are fine.

When do you use へ (direction) instead of に (time, destination, location of existence, indirect object)?

に is the arrival point and has many other uses (time, existence, recipient). へ is only direction.