Welcome to Lesson 12 of the Japanese language course for English speakers. In this lesson, we will explore the various ways to express "to" in Japanese, focusing primarily on the particle に (ni), but also covering へ (e) and まで (made). For a complete index of all lessons in this course, please visit https://latinum.substack.com/p/index.
In Japanese, the concept of "to" is expressed through different particles depending on the specific meaning and context: -
に (ni) - indicates a specific destination, point in time, or purpose -
へ (e) - indicates general direction of movement -
まで (made) - indicates extent or limit ("up to", "until")
FAQ Schema Q: What does "to" mean in Japanese? A: "To" in Japanese is expressed primarily through the particles に (ni), へ (e), and まで (made). に indicates specific destinations or points in time, へ indicates general direction, and まで indicates extent or limits.
This lesson will provide 15 varied examples demonstrating how these particles function in natural Japanese sentences. You will learn to recognize when to use each particle and understand their subtle differences through practical examples.
Educational Schema Subject: Japanese Language Learning Topic: Directional and Limiting Particles Level: Beginner to Intermediate Type: Self-Study Language Lesson Duration: 60-90 minutes Prerequisites: Basic hiragana knowledge helpful
Key Takeaways: -
に (ni) is used for specific destinations and time points -
へ (e) indicates general direction of movement -
まで (made) expresses limits and extents -
Context determines which particle to use -
These particles follow the noun they modify
12.1 私 (watashi) I は (wa) [topic-marker] 学校 (gakkō) school に (ni) to 行きます (ikimasu) go
12.2 彼女 (kanojo) she は (wa) [topic-marker] 東京 (Tōkyō) Tokyo へ (e) to 旅行しました (ryokō-shimashita) traveled
12.3 駅 (eki) station まで (made) to/until 歩いて (aruite) walking 行きましょう (ikimashō) let's-go
12.4 友達 (tomodachi) friend に (ni) to 手紙 (tegami) letter を (o) [object-marker] 送りました (okurimashita) sent
12.5 明日 (ashita) tomorrow 図書館 (toshokan) library に (ni) to 本 (hon) book を (o) [object-marker] 返します (kaeshimasu) return
12.6 バス (basu) bus は (wa) [topic-marker] 空港 (kūkō) airport へ (e) to 向かっています (mukatte-imasu) is-heading
12.7 夜 (yoru) night の (no) [possessive] 十時 (jū-ji) ten-o'clock まで (made) until 勉強します (benkyō-shimasu) study
12.8 母 (haha) mother に (ni) to プレゼント (purezento) present を (o) [object-marker] あげました (agemashita) gave
12.9 会社 (kaisha) company に (ni) to 電話 (denwa) phone-call を (o) [object-marker] かけました (kakemashita) made
12.10 北 (kita) north へ (e) to 鳥 (tori) birds が (ga) [subject-marker] 飛んでいます (tonde-imasu) are-flying
12.11 ここ (koko) here から (kara) from 駅 (eki) station まで (made) to どのくらい (dono-kurai) how-much かかりますか (kakarimasu-ka) does-it-take?
12.12 先生 (sensei) teacher に (ni) to 質問 (shitsumon) question を (o) [object-marker] しました (shimashita) asked
12.13 山 (yama) mountain の (no) [possessive] 頂上 (chōjō) summit まで (made) to 登りました (noborimashita) climbed
12.14 日本 (Nihon) Japan へ (e) to いつ (itsu) when 行きますか (ikimasu-ka) will-go?
12.15 父 (chichi) father に (ni) to この (kono) this 事 (koto) matter を (o) [object-marker] 話しました (hanashimashita) told
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12.1 私は学校に行きます。I go to school.
12.2 彼女は東京へ旅行しました。She traveled to Tokyo.
12.3 駅まで歩いて行きましょう。Let's walk to the station.
12.4 友達に手紙を送りました。I sent a letter to my friend.
12.5 明日図書館に本を返します。I will return the book to the library tomorrow.
12.6 バスは空港へ向かっています。The bus is heading to the airport.
12.7 夜の十時まで勉強します。I study until 10 o'clock at night.
12.8 母にプレゼントをあげました。I gave a present to my mother.
12.9 会社に電話をかけました。I made a phone call to the company.
12.10 北へ鳥が飛んでいます。Birds are flying to the north.
12.11 ここから駅までどのくらいかかりますか。How long does it take from here to the station?
12.12 先生に質問をしました。I asked a question to the teacher.
12.13 山の頂上まで登りました。I climbed to the summit of the mountain.
12.14 日本へいつ行きますか。When will you go to Japan?
12.15 父にこの事を話しました。I told this matter to my father.
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12.1 私は学校に行きます。
12.2 彼女は東京へ旅行しました。
12.3 駅まで歩いて行きましょう。
12.4 友達に手紙を送りました。
12.5 明日図書館に本を返します。
12.6 バスは空港へ向かっています。
12.7 夜の十時まで勉強します。
12.8 母にプレゼントをあげました。
12.9 会社に電話をかけました。
12.10 北へ鳥が飛んでいます。
12.11 ここから駅までどのくらいかかりますか。
12.12 先生に質問をしました。
12.13 山の頂上まで登りました。
12.14 日本へいつ行きますか。
12.15 父にこの事を話しました。
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Grammar Rules for "to" in Japanese
The English word "to" is expressed in Japanese through three main particles, each with specific uses:
1. に (ni) - Specific Destination or Recipient -
Used for specific locations where an action takes place -
Indicates the recipient of an action (indirect object) -
Marks specific points in time -
Examples: 学校に行く (gakkō ni iku) "go to school", 友達に話す (tomodachi ni hanasu) "speak to a friend"
2. へ (e) - General Direction -
Indicates direction of movement without emphasizing the destination -
More abstract than に -
Often interchangeable with に for movement verbs, but へ emphasizes the journey rather than arrival -
Example: 東京へ行く (Tōkyō e iku) "go toward Tokyo"
3. まで (made) - Extent or Limit -
Means "until," "up to," or "as far as" -
Can be used with both time and place -
Often combined with から (kara) "from" to show range -
Example: 駅まで歩く (eki made aruku) "walk to/as far as the station"
Common Mistakes: -
Using へ when giving something to someone (always use に for recipients) -
Confusing に with で (de) - に indicates destination, で indicates location of action -
Forgetting that まで includes the endpoint, not just approaching it -
Using に with verbs that require へ for directional movement -
Translating English "to" directly without considering context
Step-by-Step Guide for Choosing the Right Particle:
Step 1: Identify the type of "to" in your sentence -
Is it indicating a recipient? → Use に -
Is it showing movement direction? → Use へ or に -
Is it showing extent/limit? → Use まで
Step 2: Consider the verb -
Giving/sending/speaking verbs → に -
General movement verbs → へ or に -
Continuing action verbs → まで
Step 3: Think about emphasis -
Emphasizing arrival/destination → に -
Emphasizing direction/journey → へ -
Emphasizing extent → まで
Particle Summary: に (ni): -
Specific destinations: 学校に (to school) -
Recipients: 友達に (to a friend) -
Specific times: 三時に (at 3 o'clock)
へ (e): -
General directions: 北へ (to the north) -
Destinations (journey focus): 日本へ (to Japan)
まで (made): -
Limits in space: 駅まで (up to the station) -
Limits in time: 五時まで (until 5 o'clock) -
Extent: ここまで (up to here)
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Understanding "to" in Japanese Cultural Context
The distinction between に, へ, and まで reflects important aspects of Japanese thinking and communication. Japanese culture values precision and context, which is evident in how these particles are used.
The particle に emphasizes arrival and completion, reflecting the Japanese cultural emphasis on achieving goals and fulfilling obligations. When you say 学校に行く (gakkō ni iku), you're emphasizing that you will arrive at school, not just head in that direction.
へ (e) carries a more poetic, open-ended feeling. It's often used in literature and songs to evoke journey and possibility. The phrase 明日へ (ashita e) "toward tomorrow" captures this sense of moving toward an uncertain but hopeful future.
まで (made) reflects the Japanese concept of boundaries and limits, which are important in a society that values proper measure and knowing one's limits. The phrase がんばる限界まで (ganbaru genkai made) "to the limit of one's effort" exemplifies the cultural value of perseverance within recognized boundaries.
In business contexts, the choice between に and へ can convey subtle differences in commitment. Saying 大阪に行きます (Ōsaka ni ikimasu) suggests a definite business trip, while 大阪へ行きます (Ōsaka e ikimasu) might suggest a more tentative plan.
Understanding these nuances helps English speakers navigate not just the language but also the cultural expectations embedded within it. The precision required in choosing the right particle mirrors the precision valued in Japanese social interactions.
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From "Kokoro" (こころ) by Natsume Sōseki (夏目漱石), 1914:
F-A (Interlinear Analysis - Construed Text)
私 (watashi) I は (wa) [topic-marker] その (sono) that 人 (hito) person を (o) [object-marker] 常に (tsune-ni) always 先生 (sensei) teacher と (to) as 呼んでいた (yonde-ita) was-calling。 だから (dakara) therefore ここ (koko) here でも (demo) also ただ (tada) simply 先生 (sensei) teacher と (to) as 書く (kaku) write だけ (dake) only で (de) [particle] 本名 (honmyō) real-name は (wa) [topic-marker] 打ち明けない (uchiake-nai) not-reveal。 これ (kore) this は (wa) [topic-marker] 世間 (seken) society に (ni) to 向かって (mukatte) facing 故意 (koi) intentionally に (ni) [adverb-marker] その (sono) his 名 (na) name を (o) [object-marker] 隠す (kakusu) hide 必要 (hitsuyō) necessity が (ga) [subject-marker] ある (aru) exists というのではない (to-iu-no-dewa-nai) not-saying-that。
F-B (Complete Original Text with Translation)
私はその人を常に先生と呼んでいた。だからここでもただ先生と書くだけで本名は打ち明けない。これは世間に向かって故意にその名を隠す必要があるというのではない。
I always called that person "Sensei." Therefore, here too I will simply write "Sensei" and not reveal his real name. This is not to say that there is any necessity to intentionally hide his name from society.
F-C (Japanese Text Only)
私はその人を常に先生と呼んでいた。だからここでもただ先生と書くだけで本名は打ち明けない。これは世間に向かって故意にその名を隠す必要があるというのではない。
F-D (Grammatical Notes)
This passage demonstrates several uses of particles related to "to": -
と (to) appears twice as "as" (marking how something is called/written) -
に (ni) appears in 世間に向かって "facing/toward society" showing direction -
The phrase demonstrates how に combines with 向かって to create "toward/facing" -
Note the literary style using である construction (というのではない)
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12.16 まもなく (mamonaku) soon 三番線 (san-ban-sen) platform-three に (ni) to 電車 (densha) train が (ga) [subject-marker] 到着します (tōchaku-shimasu) will-arrive
12.17 新宿 (Shinjuku) Shinjuku 行き (yuki) bound-for の (no) [possessive] 電車 (densha) train は (wa) [topic-marker] 二番線 (ni-ban-sen) platform-two へ (e) to お回りください (omawari-kudasai) please-go-around
12.18 この (kono) this 電車 (densha) train は (wa) [topic-marker] 品川 (Shinagawa) Shinagawa まで (made) to/until 各駅 (kaku-eki) each-station に (ni) at 停車します (teisha-shimasu) will-stop
12.19 渋谷 (Shibuya) Shibuya へ (e) to お越し (okoshi) going の (no) [possessive] お客様 (okyaku-sama) passengers は (wa) [topic-marker] 次 (tsugi) next の (no) [possessive] 駅 (eki) station で (de) at お乗り換えください (onorikae-kudasai) please-transfer
12.20 東京駅 (Tōkyō-eki) Tokyo-Station まで (made) to あと (ato) remaining 十五分 (jūgo-fun) fifteen-minutes で (de) in 到着します (tōchaku-shimasu) will-arrive
12.21 空港 (kūkō) airport へ (e) to の (no) [possessive] 直通電車 (chokutsu-densha) direct-train は (wa) [topic-marker] 四番線 (yon-ban-sen) platform-four から (kara) from 発車します (hassha-shimasu) will-depart
12.22 次 (tsugi) next は (wa) [topic-marker] 横浜 (Yokohama) Yokohama に (ni) to 停まります (tomarimasu) will-stop
12.23 終点 (shūten) terminal の (no) [possessive] 成田空港 (Narita-kūkō) Narita-Airport まで (made) to ご乗車 (go-jōsha) riding の (no) [possessive] 方 (kata) people は (wa) [topic-marker] そのまま (sono-mama) as-is お待ちください (omachi-kudasai) please-wait
12.24 上野 (Ueno) Ueno へ (e) to は (wa) [topic-marker] この (kono) this 電車 (densha) train を (o) [object-marker] ご利用ください (go-riyō-kudasai) please-use
12.25 ホーム (hōmu) platform の (no) [possessive] 端 (hashi) edge まで (made) to 下がって (sagatte) stepping-back お待ちください (omachi-kudasai) please-wait
12.26 池袋 (Ikebukuro) Ikebukuro に (ni) to 急ぐ (isogu) hurrying お客様 (okyaku-sama) passengers は (wa) [topic-marker] 快速電車 (kaisoku-densha) rapid-train を (o) [object-marker] ご利用ください (go-riyō-kudasai) please-use
12.27 大宮 (Ōmiya) Ōmiya まで (made) to/until ノンストップ (non-sutoppu) non-stop で (de) [manner] 運転します (unten-shimasu) will-operate
12.28 車内 (shanai) inside-train に (ni) to お忘れ物 (owasuremono) forgotten-items の (no) [possessive] ないよう (nai-yō) not-to-be ご注意ください (go-chūi-kudasai) please-be-careful
12.29 千葉 (Chiba) Chiba 方面 (hōmen) direction へ (e) to の (no) [possessive] お乗り換え (onorikae) transfer は (wa) [topic-marker] 東京駅 (Tōkyō-eki) Tokyo-Station で (de) at どうぞ (dōzo) please
12.30 最終電車 (saishū-densha) last-train は (wa) [topic-marker] 立川 (Tachikawa) Tachikawa まで (made) to の (no) [possessive] 運転 (unten) operation と (to) as なります (narimasu) will-become
12.16 まもなく三番線に電車が到着します。A train will arrive at platform three shortly.
12.17 新宿行きの電車は二番線へお回りください。Please go to platform two for the Shinjuku-bound train.
12.18 この電車は品川まで各駅に停車します。This train will stop at each station until Shinagawa.
12.19 渋谷へお越しのお客様は次の駅でお乗り換えください。Passengers going to Shibuya, please transfer at the next station.
12.20 東京駅まであと十五分で到着します。We will arrive at Tokyo Station in fifteen minutes.
12.21 空港への直通電車は四番線から発車します。The direct train to the airport will depart from platform four.
12.22 次は横浜に停まります。Next, we will stop at Yokohama.
12.23 終点の成田空港までご乗車の方はそのままお待ちください。Those riding to the terminal at Narita Airport, please remain seated.
12.24 上野へはこの電車をご利用ください。Please use this train to go to Ueno.
12.25 ホームの端まで下がってお待ちください。Please step back to the edge of the platform and wait.
12.26 池袋に急ぐお客様は快速電車をご利用ください。Passengers in a hurry to Ikebukuro, please use the rapid train.
12.27 大宮までノンストップで運転します。We will operate non-stop to Ōmiya.
12.28 車内にお忘れ物のないようご注意ください。Please be careful not to leave anything behind in the train.
12.29 千葉方面へのお乗り換えは東京駅でどうぞ。Please transfer at Tokyo Station for trains toward Chiba.
12.30 最終電車は立川までの運転となります。The last train will operate only as far as Tachikawa.
12.16 まもなく三番線に電車が到着します。
12.17 新宿行きの電車は二番線へお回りください。
12.18 この電車は品川まで各駅に停車します。
12.19 渋谷へお越しのお客様は次の駅でお乗り換えください。
12.20 東京駅まであと十五分で到着します。
12.21 空港への直通電車は四番線から発車します。
12.22 次は横浜に停まります。
12.23 終点の成田空港までご乗車の方はそのままお待ちください。
12.24 上野へはこの電車をご利用ください。
12.25 ホームの端まで下がってお待ちください。
12.26 池袋に急ぐお客様は快速電車をご利用ください。
12.27 大宮までノンストップで運転します。
12.28 車内にお忘れ物のないようご注意ください。
12.29 千葉方面へのお乗り換えは東京駅でどうぞ。
12.30 最終電車は立川までの運転となります。
Special Grammar Patterns in Station Announcements: -
Polite Request Forms with Directional Particles -
へお回りください (e omawari kudasai) - "please go around to" -
にご注意ください (ni go-chūi kudasai) - "please be careful about" -
までお待ちください (made omachi kudasai) - "please wait until" -
Honorific Prefix ご/お (go/o) -
Used before nouns to show respect to passengers -
ご乗車 (go-jōsha) "riding" (honorific) -
お客様 (okyaku-sama) "passengers" (honorific) -
お忘れ物 (owasuremono) "forgotten items" (honorific) -
Common Announcement Patterns -
Place + まで + time + で到着します "Will arrive at [place] in [time]" -
Place + へ/に + の + noun "Noun for/to [place]" -
Place + まで + verb "Verb until/to [place]" -
Specialized Vocabulary -
行き (yuki) - "bound for" (always follows destination) -
方面 (hōmen) - "direction/area" -
直通 (chokutsu) - "direct/through service" -
終点 (shūten) - "terminal/last stop"
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Each lesson in this series follows a structured approach based on the comprehensible input method, where learners are exposed to authentic language in context before explicit grammar explanations. The interlinear glossing in Section A provides immediate comprehension support, allowing beginners to read real Japanese from the first lesson.
The course structure reflects pedagogical principles developed at latinum.org.uk: -
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Genre-specific sections to prepare learners for real-world language use -
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