Structure
Noun (A) + は + Noun (B) + と + Verb
Details
Part of Speech
Particle
Part of Speech
Case Marking Particle
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Standard
品詞
助詞
単語の種類
格助詞
使用域
一般
About と
In our second 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 either case, the nouns 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.
Examples
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トムと話す。
I talk with Tom.
僕は友達とごはんを食べる。
I will eat food with my friend.
ゆうこさんはみおさんとコーヒーを飲む。
Yuko-san drinks coffee with Mio-san.
タキはミツハと走る。
Taki runs with Mitsuha.
たなかさんはやまださんと話す。
Tanaka-san talks with Yamada-san.
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The Inclusive 「と」 particle
Tae Kim
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Genki I 2nd Edition
Page 113 (Chapter 4)
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と – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (6 in total)
thebeesmeow
Is there a difference between the about sentence 「コーヒーを妻と飲む。」and the example sentence 「僕は友達とごはんを食べる。」? Does having Noun (B) after the object change the meaning than if it’s before the object?
Daru
To me it’s 90% the same thing. Think of it like:
I think I’ll go out today.
Today, I’ll go out I think.
I’ll go out today, I think.There’s a minimal change in nuance, but it doesn’t change the sentence in a substantial way.
thebeesmeow
That makes sense. Thanks for the response and clarification!
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