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:

勤勉に働くことが成功への鍵です。

Kinben ni hataraku koto ga seikou e no kagi desu

Working diligently is the key to success.

Working hard is the key to success.

• 勤勉に - diligent, hardworking
• 働くこと - to work
• 成功への - to the success
• 鍵 - key

区々とした意見がある。

Kukkyo to shita iken ga aru

There are varied opinions.

There are several opinions.

• 区々とした - means "diverse" or "varied".
• 意見 - means "opinion".
• が - particle that indicates subject or object of the sentence.
• ある - Verb that means "to exist" or "to have".

区切りをつけることは大切です。

Kugiri wo tsukeru koto wa taisetsu desu

It is important to set boundaries.

It's important to take a break.

• 区切り - kugiri - separation
• を - wo - direct object particle
• つける - tsukeru - put, add
• こと - koto - abstract noun
• は - wa - Topic particle
• 大切 - taisetsu - important, valuable
• です - is (a Japanese copula, often used to indicate a state of being) Verb to be/estar in the present

卒業おめでとうございます！

Sotsugyou omedetou gozaimasu!

Congratulations for the graduation!

Congratulations graduation!

• 卒業 - means "graduation" in Japanese
• おめでとうございます - It is a congratulatory or congratulatory expression in Japanese

原因を探ることが大切です。

Gennin wo saguru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to look for the root cause.

It is important to explore the cause.

• 原因 - means "cause" in Japanese.
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 探る - verb meaning "to investigate" or "to explore".
• こと - Noun meaning "thing" or "fact".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 大切 - Adjective that means "important" or "valuable".
• です - verb "to be" in the present tense, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is a statement.

原形を保つことが大切です。

Genkei wo tamotsu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to maintain its original form.

• 原形 - noun meaning "original form"
• を - direct object particle
• 保つ - verb meaning "keep"
• こと - noun indicating an abstract action or event
• が - subject particle
• 大切 - Adjective meaning "important"
• です - linking verb indicating a polite statement

原理を理解することが重要です。

Genri wo rikai suru koto ga juuyou desu

It is important to understand the principles.

It is important to understand the principle.

• 原理 (genri) - principle, theory
• を (wo) - object particle
• 理解する (rikai suru) - understand
• こと (koto) - verb noun
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

友好関係を築くことが大切です。

Yuukou kankei wo kizuku koto ga taisetsu desu

Building a friendship is important.

It is important to build a friendship.

• 友好関係 (Yūkō kankei) - Friendly Relations
• を (wo) - object particle
• 築く (kizuku) - Build
• こと (koto) - Abstract noun
• が (ga) - Subject particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - Important
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

双子はとても可愛いです。

Futago wa totemo kawaii desu

The twins are very cute.

• 双子 (futago) - "twins" in Japanese
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても (totemo) - adverb meaning "very"
• 可愛い (kawaii) - adjective meaning "cute" or "pretty"
• です (desu) - Verb "to be" in polite form

取り引きはビジネスにとって重要な要素です。

Torihiki wa bijinesu ni totte juuyou na youso desu

Negotiation is an important element of business.

Negotiation is an important factor for business.

• 取り引き - negotiation, transaction
• は - Topic particle
• ビジネス - business
• にとって - for, in relation to
• 重要 - important
• な - adjective particle
• 要素 - element
• です - verb to be, affirmative present