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JLPT N5 grammar comparison

を (direct object) vs へ (direction)

By Nihongo PathUpdated

The difference

From the へ (direction) lesson

を (direct object): を marks the place you leave or pass through (家を出る); へ marks where you head to.

Side by side

を (direct object)

o (object) · JLPT N5

Meaning
Marks the direct object of a transitive verb; also the place passed through / left.
Formation
Noun + を + action verb (本を読む)Place + を + 出る／出発する (家を出る)Place + を + 歩く／散歩する／渡る (道を渡る)

  1. パンを食べます。

    パンを たべます。

    I eat bread.

  2. 公園を散歩します。

    こうえんを さんぽします。

    I walk through the park.

Full lesson on を (direct 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

When do you use へ (direction) instead of を (direct object)?

を marks the place you leave or pass through (家を出る); へ marks where you head to.