Translation and Meaning of: と - to

The Japanese word と [to] is one of the most fundamental and frequently used particles in the language. If you are learning Japanese, you have certainly come across it in basic sentences or even in more complex dialogues. In this article, we will explore its meaning, common uses, and how it fits into the grammatical structure of Japanese. Moreover, we will look at some curiosities about how this small particle can completely change the meaning of a sentence.

If you have already used the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you know that it is a great tool for understanding words and particles like と. Here, we go beyond simple translation and dive into the details that make this particle so essential for communication in Japan. Shall we begin?

The basic meaning and usage of と

The particle と has as its main function to indicate companionship or connection between elements. In English, it can be translated as "and" or "with," depending on the context. For example, in the phrase "りんごとバナナ" (ringo to banana), it means "apple and banana," joining the two items in a list.

Another common use is to express joint action, as in "友達と映画を見た" (tomodachi to eiga o mita), which means "I watched a movie with a friend." Note how と establishes a relationship between the mentioned people or objects, creating a clear connection in the sentence.

The origin and evolution of と

Linguistic studies indicate that と comes from ancient Japanese, where it already served similar functions to the current ones. Unlike many particles that have undergone significant changes over the centuries, と has maintained its form and basic use practically unchanged since the Heian period (794-1185).

Interestingly, research shows that と is one of the oldest particles still in continuous use in modern Japanese. Its simplicity and versatility explain why it has stood the test of time, appearing even in some of Japan's oldest texts.

Tips for using と correctly

A common confusion among students is when to use と instead of other particles like や (ya) or に (ni). Remember: と indicates a complete list or a specific joint action, while や suggests an incomplete list. For example, "本とノート" (hon to nōto) specifically means "book and notebook," without other implied items.

To better memorize, try to associate と with the symbol of a link or chain, as it always connects elements in a direct and explicit way. Another tip is to pay attention to dialogues in anime or Japanese dramas, where と appears frequently in everyday conversations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 無論 (muron) - Without a doubt
• 当然 (touzen) - Naturally; Of course
• なんといっても (nanto ittemo) - In any case; Above all
• そうだろう (sou darou) - That's not how it is, right?
• そうに決まっている (sou ni kimatteru) - Sure it is like that.
• そうだと思う (sou da to omou) - I think it's like this.
• そう思う (sou omou) - I think like this
• そうでしょう (sou deshou) - Isn't it true?
• そうですね (sou desu ne) - This is true, isn’t it?
• そうだね (sou da ne) - That's right, isn't it?
• そうだよね (sou da yo ne) - That's right, isn't it?
• そうだよな (sou da yo na) - That's right, isn't it?
• そうだな (sou da na) - Yes, that's right
• そうかな (sou kana) - Is it like this?
• そうだろうか (sou darou ka) - Is it like this?
• そうだとすれば (sou da to sureba) - If that's the case
• そうだとしたら (sou da to shitara) - If this is true
• そうなら (sou nara) - If that's the case
• そうならば (sou naraba) - If that's the case
• そういうことだ (sou iu koto da) - That's how it is
• そういうことになる (sou iu koto ni naru) - It will reach that point.
• そういうことになっている (sou iu koto ni natteiru) - It is defined like this
• そういうことになった (sou iu koto ni natta) - This happened
• そういうことになると (sou iu koto ni naru to) - If this happens
• そういうことになると思う (sou iu koto ni naru to omou) - I think it's going to be like this.

と

Romaji: to
Kana: と
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: 1. if (conjunction); 2. Promoted pawn (shogi) (ABBR)

Meaning in English: 1. if (conjunction); 2. promoted pawn (shogi) (abbr)

Definition: "To" is a conjunction that expresses a connection between sentences or words.

Example Sentences - (と) to

See below some example sentences:

自主性を持つことが大切です。

Jishusei wo motsu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to have autonomy.

It is important to have independence.

• 自主性 (jishusei) - autonomy, independence
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 持つ (motsu) - possess, have
• こと (koto) - abstract noun
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• です (desu) - verb to be, to be (polite form)

自ずから努力することが成功への鍵です。

Jizukara doryoku suru koto ga seikou e no kagi desu

The key to success is working hard.

• 自ずから - on its own, naturally
• 努力すること - strive, dedicate
• 成功への - towards success
• 鍵 - key

自分の行動を省みることが大切です。

Jibun no kōdō o kangaeru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to reflect on our own actions.

It is important to reflect on your actions.

• 自分の行動 - proper behavior
• を - object particle
• 省みる - reflect
• こと - abstract noun
• が - subject particle
• 大切 - important
• です - verb to be in the present

良識を持って行動することが大切です。

Ryoushiki wo motte koudou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to act with common sense.

• 良識 - means "common sense" or "correct judgment".
• を - direct object particle in Japanese.
• 持って - form of the verb 持つ (motsu) that means "to have" or "to possess".
• 行動する - means "to act" or "to behave".
• こと - abstract noun that indicates "thing" or "action".
• が - subject particle in Japanese.
• 大切 - It means "important" or "valuable".
• です - polite form of the verb to be in Japanese.

良心を持って行動することが大切です。

Ryoushin wo motte koudou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to act with conscience.

• 良心 - It means "consciousness" or "sense of justice".
• を - object particle.
• 持って - form of the verb 持つ (motsu), which means "to have" or "to possess", in the gerund.
• 行動 - means "action" or "behavior".
• する - Verb form of the word する (suru), which means "to do" or "to perform".
• こと - Abstract noun that indicates "thing" or "fact".
• が - Subject particle.
• 大切 - It means "important" or "valuable".
• です - polite form of the verb だ (da), which indicates "to be" or "to exist".

花を撒くと春が来る。

Hana wo maku to haru ga kuru

Spring comes when you sprinkle flowers.

• 花 (hana) - flower
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 撒く (maku) - Spread
• と (to) - Conjunction particle
• 春 (haru) - spring
• が (ga) - Subject particle
• 来る (kuru) - to arrive

色々なことを経験することが大切です。

Iroiro na koto wo keiken suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It's important to try several things.

• 色々なこと - It means "various things" in Japanese.
• を - direct object particle in Japanese.
• 経験すること - The word "experienciar" in Japanese means 経験する (keiken suru).
• が - subject particle in Japanese.
• 大切です - It means "it is important" in Japanese.

苦心しても報われないこともある。

Kushin shite mo mukuwarenai koto mo aru

Sometimes

Sometimes you may not be rewarded, even if you fight.

• 苦心しても - make a lot of effort, even if
• 報われない - not be rewarded
• こともある - it can happen

苦しむことが成長するためのチャンスだ。

Kurushimu koto ga seichou suru tame no chansu da

Suffering is an opportunity to grow.

Suffering is a chance to grow.

• 苦しむこと - suffering
• が - connecting particle
• 成長する - grow, develop
• ための - for
• チャンス - opportunity
• だ - Verb to be/estar

この謎を解くことができますか？

Kono nazo wo toku koto ga dekimasu ka?

Can you solve this mystery?

Can you solve this mystery?

• 英語 - 英語 (えいご)
• が - grammatical particle in Japanese that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 話せます - 日本語で「話す」という動詞は、現在形で丁寧な形では「話します」となります。
• か - Japanese grammatical particle that indicates a question