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:

この大学の教授はとても優秀です。

Kono daigaku no kyōju wa totemo yūshū desu

The professors at this university are very competent.

The professor at this university is very good.

• この - demonstrative determiner
• 大学 - noun meaning "university"
• の - Possessive particle
• 教授 - noun meaning "teacher"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 優秀 - adjective that means "excellent"
• です - verb indicating "to be" or "to be" in the present tense

このドラマは予定より早く打ち切ることになりました。

Kono dorama wa yotei yori hayaku uchikiru koto ni narimashita

This drama was discontinued earlier than planned.

• この - this
• ドラマ - Drama
• は - Topic particle
• 予定 - plan, schedule
• より - than
• 早く - early, sooner
• 打ち切る - cancel, terminate
• こと - thing
• に - target indicator particle
• なりました - became

このプロジェクトを纏めるのは私の責任です。

Kono purojekuto wo matomeru no wa watashi no sekinin desu

It is my responsibility to summarize this project.

• この - this
• プロジェクト - project
• を - direct object of the sentence
• 纏める - lead, coordinate
• のは - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 私 - I
• の - Possessive particle
• 責任 - responsibility
• です - verb to be, indicating that the sentence is affirmative and formal

このプロジェクトは採択されました。

Kono purojekuto wa saitaku sare mashita

This project was selected.

This project was adopted.

• この - this
• プロジェクト - project
• は - (particle that indicates topic)
• 採択 - selection, adoption
• されました - it was done

この包みはとても重いです。

Kono tsutsumi wa totemo omoi desu

This package is very heavy.

This package is very heavy.

• この - this
• 包み - package
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 重い - heavy
• です - is

この品種のりんごはとても甘いです。

Kono hinshu no ringo wa totemo amai desu

This apple variety is very sweet.

The apple of this variety is very sweet.

• この - this
• 品種 - variety
• の - of
• りんご - Litter
• は - is
• とても - very
• 甘い - Sweet
• です - (end of sentence particle)

この品物はとても高価です。

Kono shinamono wa totemo kōka desu

This product is very expensive.

This item is very expensive.

• この - this
• 品物 - item, product
• は - is
• とても - very
• 高価 - dear, valuable
• です - It (verb to be polite)

この宮殿はとても美しいです。

Kono kyūden wa totemo utsukushii desu

This palace is very beautiful.

• この - this
• 宮殿 - palace
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 美しい - beautiful
• です - be (linking verb)

この女優はとても才能がある。

Kono joyū wa totemo sainō ga aru

This actress has a lot of talent.

This actress is very talented.

• この - this
• 女優 - actress
• は - is
• とても - very
• 才能 - talent
• が - have
• ある - exist

この神社の柱はとても古いです。

Kono jinja no hashira wa totemo furui desu

The pillars of this shrine are very old.

• この - this
• 神社 - Sanctuary
• の - of
• 柱 - column/pillar
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 古い - old
• です - Verb to be