In this lesson about
と, we will look at the common translation of ‘with’ that is associated with this particle.
と shows that there is a relationship between (A) and (B), regardless of if that relationship is translated as ‘
and’, or ‘
with’. In each case, the things that are marked with
と are usually all performing some mutual action (that mutual action may simply be existing).
When
と is used as ‘with’, it means that both/all people or objects are equally involved in the action. However,
に highlights that one person is the target (destination) of an action, so will result in something sounding a lot more one sided.
Here we can see that both people are talking when
と is used. It is a mutual conversation. When
に is used, however, the person marked by
に is being talked ‘to’, and is usually not actively participating in the conversation.