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:

この精密な計器はとても正確です。

Kono seimitsu na keiki wa totemo seikaku desu

This precision tool is very accurate.

This precision instrument is very accurate.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 精密な - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
• 計器 - noun meaning "measuring instrument"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 正確 - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この見本はとても魅力的です。

Kono mihon wa totemo miryokuteki desu

This sample is very attractive.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 見本 - noun meaning "example" or "sample"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 魅力的 - adjective meaning "attractive" or "charming"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この説明はとても分かりやすいです。

Kono setsumei wa totemo wakariyasui desu

This explanation is very clear.

This explanation is very easy to understand.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 説明 - noun meaning "explanation"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 分かりやすい - adjective that means "easy to understand"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この館はとても美しいです。

Kono yakata wa totemo utsukushii desu

This mansion is very beautiful.

This hall is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 館 - noun meaning "building"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

このイベントの賞品はとても魅力的です。

Kono ibento no shōhin wa totemo miryokuteki desu

The prizes of this event are very attractive.

• この - demonstrative pronoun
• イベント - event
• の - Possession particle
• 賞品 - award
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb of intensity (very)
• 魅力的 - adjective (attractive)
• です - verb ser/estar (polite)

このホテルは高級な設備とサービスを提供しています。

Kono hoteru wa kōkyūna setsubi to sābisu o teikyō shite imasu

This hotel offers luxury equipment and services.

• このホテル - "this hotel"
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 高級な - "Luxurious" in Japanese, with the suffix "na" indicating an adjective.
• 設備 - "Installations" in Japanese
• と - Particle that indicates "and" in Japanese
• サービス - "Services" in Japanese
• を - Particle that indicates the direct object in Japanese
• 提供しています - "Oferece" in Japanese, with the suffix "teiru" indicating continuous action and the verb "teikyou" meaning "to provide"

このペンはとても便利です。

Kono pen wa totemo benri desu

This pen is very useful.

This pen is very convenient.

• このペン - "このペン"
• は - Japanese topic particle
• とても - "very"
• 便利 - "役に立つ" em japonês.
• です - polite form of "to be" in Japanese

この会社は優秀な人材を採用することを目指しています。

Kono kaisha wa yūshūna jinzai o saiyō suru koto o mezashite imasu

This company aims to hire exceptional talent.

The company intends to hire excellent human resources.

• この会社 - This company
• は - Topic particle
• 優秀な - Great
• 人材 - Human resources
• を - Direct object particle
• 採用する - Hire
• こと - Abstract noun
• を - Direct object particle
• 目指しています - It is aimed at

この事業の採算はどうですか？

Kono jigyou no saisaku wa dou desu ka?

How is this business profitable?

• この事業 - "this business"
• の - Possession particle
• 採算 - "financial viability"
• は - Topic particle
• どう - "how"
• ですか - "Is it?" (polite form of asking)

この催しはとても楽しいです。

Kono moyoshi wa totemo tanoshii desu

This event is a lot of fun.

• この催し - "kono saishi" - This event
• は - wa- Topic particle
• とても - totem - Very
• 楽しい - "fun" Funny
• です - desu - Ser/estar (linking verb)