JLPT N5 Grammar – Mastering “で” and “を”: How to Express Places in Japanese
Table of Contents
1. Using “で” and “を” to Talk About Places
2. The Role of “で”
3. The Role of “を”
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: How should I use “で” and “を” differently?
In the examples below, why are some sentences natural and others unnatural?
◯ 公園で走ります ◯ 公園を走ります
◯ ジムで走ります × ジムを走ります
A: “で” shows the place where an action happens, and “を” shows the route of movement.
“公園を走ります” is natural because it gives the image of running through the park.
But “ジムを走ります” sounds unnatural because a gym is not usually seen as a route.
The Role of “で”
“で” shows the place where an action happens.
To understand it easily, imagine that something is being done inside that place.
[Example]
レストランで昼ごはんを食べました。
I ate lunch at a restaurant.
[Example]
子供たちが公園で遊んでいます。
The children are playing at the park.
The Role of “を”
“を” is used to show a point or path of movement.
It is commonly used with verbs of movement, such as “run” or “walk”. In this case, the place is not where the action happens, but rather something the subject passes through.
[Examples of movement verbs]
歩く(to walk), 渡る(to cross), 越える(to go over), 通る(to go through), 曲がる(to turn) etc
[Example]
道を走ります。
I run on the road.
[Example]
橋を渡ります。
I cross the bridge.
Let’s Compare
So, what is the difference between “ジムで走ります” (I run at the gym) and “ジムを走ります” (I run through the gym)? Why does using “を” sound unnatural?
The verb “走る” (to run) refers to doing exercise inside the gym. In this case, the gym is seen as a place for doing an activity, not a place you pass through. That’s why “ジムを走ります” sounds unnatural.
On the other hand, “公園を走ります” (I run through the park) sounds natural because a park can be understood as a route or place you move through.
“公園で走ります” simply means that the action of running takes place in the park.
In short, “を” is only used with places like roads, bridges, and parks when the speaker sees them as paths or routes of movement.
Since a gym is considered a place where an action is done, it’s natural to use “で” instead.
Summary
- “で” shows the place where an action happens.
- “を” shows a route or a place that someone passes through.
- “を” is used only with places like roads, parks, or plazas—locations that give the image of passing through.
Quiz
Select the appropriate particle for the following sentences.
Click on the question to reveal the answer.
A. で
9時から15時まで、学校で勉強します。
I studied at school from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
* The studying happens inside the school, so “で” is correct.
A. を
大きい橋を渡って、あの島へ行きました。
I crossed a big bridge and went to that island.
*”Cross” is a movement verb, so “を” is correct.
A. で
公園で運動をしました。
I exercised at the park.
*The exercise takes place in the park, so “で” is correct.
A. を
その道は危ないですから、この道を歩いてください。
That road is dangerous, so please walk on this road.
* “Walk” is a movement verb, so “を” is correct.
Similar Articles
For those who want to learn more about
the usage of Japanese particles,
this e-book is highly recommended!
That really clarified things. Thanks so much!
You’re very welcome! Glad we could help.
Very helpful. Thank you!
Glad you found it helpful!
いい文です！
ありがとうございます：）
Super helpful. Are there articles about other particles as well?
We’ve got some articles and an even eBook too. Hope you find them helpful!
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0CHY5MDCR
ありがとうございます先生！
ありがとうございます:)
Excellent article!
Thank you:)