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:

些とも知らない

satomokomoshiranai

I don't know at all.

I don't know the trivial

• 些 - "um pouco" in Japanese means "少し" (すこし).
• とも - "nem mesmo" means "even" in Japanese.
• 知らない - means "not knowing" in Japanese

人と心が繋がる。

Hito to kokoro ga tsunagaru

Our hearts are connected with people.

People and hearts are connected.

• 人 - means "people" in Japanese.
• と - is a linking particle in Japanese, which can be translated as "and" or "with".
• 心 - means "heart" or "mind" in Japanese.
• が - is a subject particle in Japanese, which indicates that "heart" is the subject of the sentence.
• 繋がる - is a verb in Japanese that means "to connect" or "to bind".

主催者はこのイベントを成功させるために全力を尽くします。

Shusaisya wa kono ibento wo seikou saseru tame ni zenryoku wo tsukushimasu

The organizer will do his best to make this event a success.

The organizer will do everything possible to make this event successful.

• 主催者 (shusai-sha) - organizer
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• この (kono) - this
• イベント (ibento) - event
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 成功 (seikou) - success
• させる (saseru) - make
• ために (tame ni) - for
• 全力 (zenryoku) - all the power
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 尽くします (tsukushimasu) - do the best we can

主要なポイントを押さえる必要がある。

Shuyō na pointo o osaeru hitsuyō ga aru

It is necessary to highlight the main points.

It is necessary to keep pressing the main points.

• 主要な - It means "main" or "most important".
• ポイント - It means "point" or "aspect".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 押さえる - Verb that means "to hold" or "to keep under control".
• 必要がある - Expression that means "it is necessary" or "it is required".

乗り換えることは新しい冒険を始めることです。

Norikae suru koto wa atarashii bouken o hajimeru koto desu

Changing trains is like starting a new adventure.

The transfer is starting a new adventure.

• 乗り換える - means "to change means of transport" or "to make a connection"
• こと - is a particle that indicates that the previous word is a noun and that it is being used as the subject of the sentence
• は - it is a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 新しい - means "new"
• 冒険 - means "adventure"
• を - it is a particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 始める - It means "Begin"
• こと - again the particle that indicates the noun used as the topic of the sentence
• です - it is a particle that indicates that the sentence is a statement

世話をすることは大切です。

Sewa wo suru koto wa taisetsu desu

Taking care of others is important.

It is important to take care of it.

• 世話をする - take care
• こと - thing
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important
• です - Verb to be in the present

両立は大切なことです。

Ryouritsu wa taisetsu na koto desu

Balance is important.

Balance is important.

• 両立 (りょうりつ) - It means "compatibility" or "coexistence".
• は - Grammatical particle that indicates the theme of the sentence.
• 大切 (たいせつ) - It means "important" or "valuable".
• な - grammatical particle indicating an adjective.
• こと - Noun that means "thing" or "matter".
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form.

一昨日はとても暑かったです。

Ototoi wa totemo atsukatta desu

The day before yesterday it was very hot.

The previous day was very hot.

• 一昨日 (ototoi) - the day before yesterday
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - very
• 暑かった (atsukatta) - It was hot
• です (desu) - polite way of being

一瞬の出来事が人生を変えることもある。

Isshun no dekigoto ga jinsei wo kaeru koto mo aru

A momentary event can also change someone's life.

A momentary event can change life.

• 一瞬 - means "an instant" or "a moment".
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• 出来事 - means "happening" or "event".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 人生 - means "human life" or "existence".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 変える - means "to change" or "to transform".
• こと - abstract noun that indicates an action or event.
• も - particle indicating inclusion or addition.
• ある - verb that indicates the existence or presence of something.

不思議なことが起こるかもしれない。

Fushigi na koto ga okoru kamoshirenai

Strange things can happen.

A strange thing can happen.

• 不思議な - mysterious, strange
• こと - thing
• が - subject particle
• 起こる - Happen
• かもしれない - Maybe, it could be that