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:

偉大なる目標を持ち続けることが成功への鍵である。

Idainaaru mokuhyou wo mochitsuzukeru koto ga seikou e no kagi de aru

Having a great goal is the key to continuous success.

Maintaining big goals is the key to success.

• 偉大なる - Great, magnificent
• 目標 - Objective, goal
• を - direct object particle
• 持ち続ける - maintain, continue to have
• こと - abstract noun
• が - subject particle
• 成功 - success
• への - preposition "to"
• 鍵 - key
• である - to be

備え付けることは重要です。

Binaetsukeru koto wa juuyou desu

It is important to have prepared.

It's important to be prepared.

• 備え付ける - means "prepare" or "provide" in Japanese.
• こと - it is a particle that indicates an action or event.
• は - it is a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "preparing is important."
• 重要 - means "important" in Japanese.
• です - It is a polite way to say "is" in Japanese.

儲けることは大切です。

Moukeru koto wa taisetsu desu

Making money is important.

It is important to make money.

• 儲ける - Verb that means "earn money" or "profit".
• こと - Noun indicating "thing" or "fact". In this case, it is used to indicate that "earning money" is important.
• は - Particle that indicates the theme of the sentence. In this case, it indicates that the theme is "making money".
• 大切 - Adjective that means "important" or "valuable".
• です - Auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or respectful way of expressing an idea. In this case, it is used to indicate that "earning money is important."

入口はどこですか？

Iriguchi wa doko desu ka?

Where is the entrance?

Where is the entrance?

• 入口 (nyūkō) - Prohibited
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• どこ (doko) - Where
• ですか (desu ka) - polite way of asking

公正な判断をすることが重要です。

Kousei na handan wo suru koto ga juuyou desu

It is important to do fair judgments.

It is important to make a fair decision.

• 公正な - adjective meaning "fair" or "impartial"
• 判断 - noun meaning "judgment" or "decision"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• する - verb meaning "to do" or "to accomplish"
• こと - noun indicating an abstract action or event
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 重要 - Adjective meaning "important"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the sentence
• . - punctuation mark that indicates the end of the sentence

公衆の場でマスクを着用することが大切です。

Koushuu no ba de masuku wo chakuyou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to wear a mask in public places.

It is important to wear a mask in public.

• 公衆の場 - public place
• で - particle that indicates the location where the action takes place
• マスク - Mask
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 着用する - use, wear
• こと - noun that indicates action or fact
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 大切 - important
• です - verb to be in the polite form

再現することは重要です。

Saigen suru koto wa juuyou desu

It is important to reproduce.

• 再現すること - Reproduzir, replicar
• は - Topic particle
• 重要です - is important

冷静に考えて行動することが大切です。

Reisei ni kangaete koudou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to calmly act and think before you act.

It is important to think calmly and act.

• 冷静に - Calmly
• 考えて - thinking
• 行動する - Act
• ことが - is important
• 大切です - crucial

出席することは大切です。

Shusseki suru koto wa taisetsu desu

It is important to participate.

• 出席すること - participate / attend
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important / valuable
• です - verb be (polite form)

出口はどこですか？

Deguchi wa doko desu ka?

Where's the exit?

• 出口 - means "exit" in Japanese.
• は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• どこ - means "where" in Japanese.
• です - It is an auxiliary verb that indicates the present tense and formality of the sentence.
• か - It is a grammatical particle that indicates a question.