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道Nihongo Path

JLPT N5 grammar comparison

を (direct object) vs に (time, destination, location of existence, indirect object)

By Nihongo PathUpdated

The difference

From the を (direct object) lesson

に (time, destination, location of existence, indirect object): に marks the destination (家に帰る); を marks the place you leave (家を出る).

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)

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)

Frequently asked questions

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

に marks the destination (家に帰る); を marks the place you leave (家を出る).