Grammar Info

N5 Lesson 5: 11/12

To, Toward

Structure

Noun +

Details

  • Part of Speech

    Particle

  • Word Type

    Case Marking Particle

  • Register

    Standard

About へ

is a particle used when describing a place that someone or something is 'moving toward', or 'in contact with'. In many cases, the particles and are interchangeable, but there is a slight difference in meaning. focuses more on the distance/effort required to get between (A) and (B), while focuses more on the connection between (A) and (B). always comes after the noun signifying the destination.

  • (わたし)フランス()

    I will go to France.

    • 明日(あした)東京(とうきょう)()

      I will go to Tokyo tomorrow.

      In these examples, while they may seem the same at first glance, shows that there is a space between (A) and (B), while puts the emphasis solely on the destination. This is why common expressions such as 'city/country name ようこそ' sound very polite. It is like saying 'Welcome, and we acknowledge your journey/effort to get here'.

      • 大阪(おおさか)ようこそ!

        Welcome to Osaka!

        • BPR(ビーピーアール)ニュースようこそ。

          Welcome to BPR News.

          In the TV-show example, this commonly means 'thank you for your effort to watch this particular show, out of all the ones you could have chosen'.



          Examples

          --:--

            大阪(おおさか)ようこそ。

            Welcome to Osaka.

            ここ

            To here?

            神戸(こうべ)()く。

            To go to Kobe.

            (いえ)(かえ)

            To return to one's house.

            (みち)(はし)

            To run toward the road.

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                • [DBJG] A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar

                  Page 116

                • Genki I

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                • Genki I 2nd Edition

                  Page 91

                • Tae Kim's Japanese Grammar Guide

                  Page 57

                • みんなの日本語 I

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              へ – Grammar Discussion

              Most Recent Replies (2 in total)

              • hachiwara

                hachiwara

                Hey! I just noticed a small typo in “Thank you”

              • Pixel_Vapour

                Pixel_Vapour

                I’m very confused by this

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