Japanese Particles: Complete Guide

Particles are the glue that holds Japanese sentences together. Mastering them is essential for JLPT success.

Essential Particles for JLPT

は (wa) - Topic Marker

Usage: Marks the topic of the sentence

私は学生です。 (I am a student)
今日は暑いです。 (Today is hot)

JLPT Tips:

Often contrasts with other items
Shows what the sentence is about
Can mark time expressions

が (ga) - Subject Marker

Usage: Marks the grammatical subject

雨が降っています。 (Rain is falling)
誰が来ましたか。 (Who came?)

は vs が Differences:

は: Known information, contrast
が: New information, neutral description
が: Required with question words (誰、何、どこ)

を (wo/o) - Direct Object

Usage: Marks the direct object of action verbs

本を読みます。 (I read a book)
日本語を勉強します。 (I study Japanese)

Special Uses:

Movement through space: 公園を散歩する
Point of departure: 家を出る

に (ni) - Target, Time, Location

Multiple Uses:

Destination: 学校に行く (go to school)
Time: 3時に会う (meet at 3 o'clock)
Existence: 机の上に本がある (book is on desk)
Purpose: 買い物に行く (go shopping)
Indirect object: 友達にあげる (give to friend)

で (de) - Location, Means, Cause

Multiple Uses:

Action location: 図書館で勉強する (study at library)
Means/method: 電車で行く (go by train)
Material: 木で作る (made of wood)
Cause: 風邪で休む (absent due to cold)
Scope: 日本で一番 (number one in Japan)

と (to) - And, With, Quotation

Uses:

Listing: りんごとオレンジ (apples and oranges)
Accompaniment: 友達と行く (go with friend)
Quotation: 「はい」と言う (say "yes")
Conditional: 春になると (when spring comes)

へ (e) - Direction

Usage: Direction of movement (similar to に but less specific)

東京へ行く (go to/toward Tokyo)
右へ曲がる (turn to the right)

から (kara) - From, Since, Because

Uses:

Starting point: 9時から (from 9 o'clock)
Source: 先生から聞いた (heard from teacher)
Reason: 忙しいから (because I'm busy)

まで (made) - Until, To

Usage: Endpoint in time or space

5時まで (until 5 o'clock)
駅まで (to/as far as the station)

も (mo) - Also, Too

Usage: Adds items, shows similarity

私も学生です。 (I'm also a student)
彼も来ます。 (He's coming too)

With numbers: 3つも (as many as 3)

Advanced Particles (N3-N1)

ばかり (bakari) - Only, Just

肉ばかり食べる (eat only meat)
今帰ったばかり (just came home)

だけ (dake) - Only

これだけです (only this)
見るだけ (just looking)

しか～ない (shika~nai) - Only (with negative)

1000円しかない (have only 1000 yen)

など (nado) - Etc., Such as

犬や猫など (dogs, cats, etc.)

さえ (sae) - Even

子供さえ知っている (even children know)

のに (noni) - Despite, Although

勉強したのに (despite studying)

Common JLPT Particle Questions

N5 Level

Basic は、が、を、に、で
Time expressions with に
Location particles

N4 Level

は vs が distinctions
で vs に for locations
Particle combinations

N3 Level

Subtle particle differences
Advanced uses of basic particles
Particle omission rules

N2-N1 Level

Complex particle combinations
Nuanced meanings
Formal vs informal particle usage
Particle replacement in formal writing

Practice Tips

1. Learn in Context

Don't memorize particles alone - learn them in sentences.

2. Notice Patterns

Certain verbs require certain particles
いる/ある always use に for location
Movement verbs can use に、へ、or を

3. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ 学校で行く → ✅ 学校に行く ❌ 友達に会います → ✅ 友達と会います (N3+: 友達に会う is also correct!)

4. Create Example Sentences

Make your own sentences using each particle multiple ways.

5. Practice with Real Materials

Read native Japanese and notice particle usage.

Quick Reference Chart

| Particle | Main Use | Example | |----------|----------|---------| | は | Topic | 私は学生 | | が | Subject | 犬がいる | | を | Object | 本を読む | | に | Target/Time | 学校に/3時に | | で | Location/Means | 図書館で/電車で | | と | And/With/Quote | AとB/友達と/「はい」と | | へ | Direction | 東京へ | | から | From/Because | 9時から/忙しいから | | まで | Until | 5時まで | | も | Also | 私も |

Conclusion

Particles take time to master. Focus on the most common ones first, then gradually add more complex particles as you progress through JLPT levels.

Practice daily, pay attention in reading, and don't be afraid to make mistakes!

Japanese Particles Mastery: Complete Guide for JLPT Success

Key Takeaways