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:

トランジスターは電子部品の一種です。

Toranjisutaa wa denshi buhin no issu desu

Transistor is a type of electronic component.

• トランジスター - transistor
• は - partícula que indica o tópico da frase
• 電子部品 - electronic components
• の - particle possession indicating or association
• 一種 - one type
• です - is (copulation)

とんでもないことをしてしまった。

Tondemonai koto wo shite shimatta

I did something terrible.

I did something ridiculous.

• とんでもない - means "unbelievable" or "absurd".
• こと - means "thing" or "fact".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• してしまった - is a conjugation of the verb "suru" (to do) with the auxiliary "shimau" (to complete, finish), which together indicate that the action was carried out completely and that it may have had negative consequences.

ドリルで穴を開ける。

Doriru de ana wo akeru

I make a hole with a drill.

Make a hole with a drill.

• ドリル (doriru) - broca
• で (de) - with
• 穴 (ana) - hole
• を (wo) - direct object
• 開ける (akeru) - open

どんどん進んでいこう！

Don don susunde ikou!

Let's move forward quickly!

Let's go constantly!

• どんどん - adverb that indicates something happening quickly or in large quantity
• 進んで - verb "to advance" in the gerund, indicating an action in progress
• いこう - verb "to go" in the future, indicating an action that will be performed
• ！ - exclamation mark, indicating enthusiasm or emphasis

のんびりとした日々を過ごしたいです。

Nonbiri to shita hibi wo sugoshitai desu

I want to spend a relaxing day.

• のんびりとした - adjective meaning "relaxed" or "calm"
• 日々 - noun meaning "everyday" or "everyday"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 過ごしたい - verb in potential form meaning "want to pass"
• です - particle that indicates the completion of the sentence and formality

ノイローゼにならないようにストレスを減らすことが大切です。

Noroze ni naranai you ni sutoresu wo herasu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to reduce stress so as not to develop neurosis.

It is important to reduce stress so that it does not become a neurosis.

• ノイローゼ - a word in Japanese that means "neurosis".
• にならない - a negative form of the verb "naru", which means "to become."
• ように - a particle that indicates the intent or purpose of an action.
• ストレス - stress
• を - a particle that indicates the direct object of a sentence.
• 減らす - a verb that means "diminish" or "reduce".
• こと - a particle that indicates that the previous sentence is a noun or concept.
• が - a particle that indicates the subject of a sentence.
• 大切 - An adjective that means "important" or "valuable."
• です - A polite form of the verb "to be" in Japanese.

はきはきと話すことが大切です。

Hakihaki to hanasu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to speak clearly and concisely.

It is important to talk to the postcard.

• はきはきと話すこと - means "to speak clearly and with confidence".
• が - a particle that indicates a relationship of contrast or opposition.
• 大切 - It means "important" or "valuable".
• です - a polite way of saying something in Japanese.

バットでボールを打ちます。

Batto de bōru o uchimasu

I hit the ball with the stick.

Beat the ball with the stick.

• バット (bat) - object used to hit the ball
• で (de) - particle that indicates the means or instrument used
• ボール (bōru) - ball
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 打ちます (uchimasu) - verb "hit"

ハンドバッグは女性の必需品です。

Handobaggu wa josei no hitsuyōhin desu

Handbags are women's necessities.

• ハンドバッグ - Handbag
• は - Topic particle
• 女性 - Woman
• の - Possessive particle
• 必需品 - Essential need
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

バンドのライブに行きたいです。

Band no raibu ni ikitai desu

I want to go to the band live.

• バンド (band) - name of a musical band
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• ライブ (raibu) - Live show
• に (ni) - Particle that indicates destination or location
• 行きたい (ikitai) - "Want to go"
• です (desu) - particle that indicates politeness or formality