JLPT N5 Grammar – How to Use the Particle “を”
Table of Contents
1. How to Use the Particle “を”
2. The Basic Roles of “を”
3. Target
4. Starting Point
5. Passing Area
6. When “を” Cannot Be Used
7. Summary
8. Quiz
9. Similar Articles
10. Comment
Q: Could you explain how to use the particle “を”?
A: Japanese has many particles, and “を” is one that often confuses learners. Here, we will clearly explain the role and usage of the particle “を” with specific examples.
The Basic Roles of “を”
The particle “を” is primarily used in the following three contexts:
- Target : Indicates the object of an action
- Starting Point : Indicates the place of departure or separation
- Passing Area : indicates a location that is passed through while moving
We will explain each role in detail with specific examples.
Target
The object of an action or effect, referred to as the “direct object,” is indicated using the particle “を” with transitive verbs (verbs that act upon something).
[Common Transitive Verbs]
飲む (to drink), 聞く(to listen), 書く(to write), 読む (to read)
[Example]
りんごを食べます。
I eat an apple.
→ The object of the action “to eat” is “apple.”
The particle “を” is used to clearly indicate the object of an action. Be careful not to confuse it with “で,” which is used to indicate a means or tool.
[Examples]
手でりんごを食べます。
I eat an apple with my hands.
→ “手” (hands) indicates the tool used for the action, so “で” is used.
カフェでコーヒーを飲みます。
I drink coffee at a café.
→ “カフェ” (café) indicates the location where the action occurs, so “で” is used.
Starting Point
The particle “を” is used to indicate the starting point or the place from which an action or movement departs.
[Common Verbs]
出る (to leave), 退職する (to retire), 卒業する (to graduate), 出発する (to depart), 下りる (to get off), 離れる (to leave or separate)
[Example]
家を出ます。
I leave the house.
→ The “place of departure” is “house.”
The particle “を” indicates the starting point of an action. On the other hand, when expressing the destination or goal of movement, the particle “に” is used.
[Comparison]
家を出ます。（起点）
I leave the house (starting point).
家に入ります。（着点）
I enter the house (destination).
Passing Area
The particle “を” is used to indicate a place or area that is passed through during movement.
[Common Verbs of Movement]
通る (to pass through), 曲がる (to turn), 過ぎる (to pass), 歩く (to walk), 走る (to run), 飛ぶ (to fly)
[Example]
車が道を走っています。
The car is running on the road.
→ The “passing area” the car moves through is “the road.”
“を” indicates the passing point of movement, while “に” represents the destination (arrival point) of movement.
[Comparison]
道を走ります。（通過域）
I run along the road (passing area).
スーパーに行きます。（着点）
I go to the supermarket (destination).
When “を” Cannot Be Used
[Example: The verb “わかる”]
The sentence “わたしは日本語をわかります。” is incorrect.
The reasons why “を” cannot be used are as follows:
“わかる” is an intransitive verb
→ Unlike transitive verbs, intransitive verbs do not act directly on an object, so “を” cannot be used.
The “は・が” structure rule
→ The sentence structure “わたしは日本語がわかります” follows the format:
“わたし (topic)” + “日本語 (subject)” + “わかる (predicate).”
This structure requires “が” to mark the subject in the sentence.
Summary
“を” is used in the following three contexts:
- Target (The object affected by the action)
- Starting Point (The place where the action begins)
- Passing Area (The location passed through during movement)
The particle “を” cannot be used with intransitive verbs like “わかる.” In sentences with intransitive verbs, the “は・が” structure rule is followed.
Quiz
Select the appropriate particle for the following sentences.
Click on the question to reveal the answer.
A. を
よく日本のマンガを読みます。
I often read Japanese manga.
*”読む” (to read) is a transitive verb, so “を” is correct to indicate the object of the action.
A. を
新宿駅で電車を下りました。
I got off the train at Shinjuku Station.
*”下りる” (to get off) indicates the starting point, so “を” is correct.
A. に
昨日電車で東京駅に行きました。
Yesterday, I went to Tokyo Station by train.
*”行く” (to go) indicates the destination, so “に” is correct.
A. を
鳥が空を飛んでいます。
A bird is flying through the sky.
*”飛ぶ” (to fly) is a verb of motion, so “を” is correct to indicate the passing area.
Similar Articles
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the usage of Japanese particles,
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