を (wo/o) - Direct Object Particle
[Object]を[Transitive Verb]
Explanation
Marks the direct object of a transitive verb - the thing receiving the action.
Formation
Noun + を
Examples
Usage Notes
- Only used with transitive verbs (verbs that take objects)
- Written as を but often pronounced just "o"
- Can mark the place through which movement occurs: 道を歩く (walk along the road)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't use with intransitive verbs like ある、いる、わかる
- Remember: を marks what is acted upon, not who does the action
- Some verbs that are transitive in English are intransitive in Japanese
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.
に (ni) - Target/Time/Location Particle
Various uses
Multi-purpose particle indicating location, time, direction, purpose, or indirect object.