に (ni) - Target/Time/Location Particle
Various uses
Explanation
Multi-purpose particle indicating location, time, direction, purpose, or indirect object.
Formation
Noun + に
Examples
Usage Notes
- Location に for existence (います/あります)
- Specific time に (but not for relative time words)
- Direction/destination に for movement verbs
- Indirect object に (giving/showing to someone)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't use に with relative time words (今日、明日、来週)
- に vs で: に is static location/destination, で is location of action
- Some verbs require に, others へ for direction - learn with the verb
Related Grammar from "Essential Particles"
は (wa) - Topic Particle
[Topic]は[Comment]
Marks the topic of the sentence - what you're talking about. The rest of the sentence is a comment about this topic.
が (ga) - Subject Particle
[Subject]が[Predicate]
Marks the grammatical subject, introduces new information, or answers "who/what" questions.
を (wo/o) - Direct Object Particle
[Object]を[Transitive Verb]
Marks the direct object of a transitive verb - the thing receiving the action.