Particles

Question 1

は

Answer 1

1.) “topic particle”/”as for…”
comes after topic of sentence

ex: 今日は雨です
“It is rainy today”

2.) “contrast marker” (to replace を or が)

ex:　犬は好きです。でも、猫は嫌いです
“I like dogs. But I do not like cats.”

Question 2

が

Answer 2

1.) “subject particle”
indicates existence, and often used with います (for animate things) or あります (for inanimate things).

ex: ペットがいます.
“(There is/)I have a pet”

2. “desired object”
   Indicates that subject is desired, and is often used with 欲しです (“i want”) or たいです (“I want to…”)

ex: 私は水が飲みたいです
“I want to drink water.”

Question 3

を

Answer 3

1.) “Object marker”
After the direct object of an action.

ex: 私はカレーを作ります
“I make curry.”

2.) Place of Movement
Used before motion verbs.

ex: あのかどをまがってください
“Please turn at that corner”

Question 4

へ

Answer 4

1.) “direction particle”
pronounced “e”

ex: 私は空港へ行きます
“I am going to the airport”

2.) “recipient marker”
right after the recipient, before what they are receiving

ex: 母へ電話をかけました
“I called my mother.”

Question 5

に

Answer 5

1.) “Location Particle”
Indicates location, time, time duration, movement, or purpose.

ex: テーブルの下にねこがいます
“There is a cat under the table”

2.) “Time particle” in/on/at

ex: 六月に日本へ行きます
“I am going to Japan in June”

*NOT after relative time expressions like “today” or “next week”