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:

仕事が滞るとストレスが溜まる。

Shigoto ga todokoru to sutoresu ga tamaru

When the work gets still

When work is postponed, stress accumulates.

• 仕事 - work
• が - subject particle
• 滞る - to stand still, to stagnate
• と - Conjunction particle
• ストレス - stress
• が - subject particle
• 溜まる - accumulate, to accumulate

付き合いは大切なことです。

Tsukiai wa taisetsu na koto desu

Relationships are important things.

Dating is important.

• 付き合い - relationship, coexistence
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• な - Particle indicating adjective
• こと - thing, subject
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

休学することは大切な決断です。

Kyugaku suru koto wa taisetsu na ketsudan desu

Leaving school is an important decision.

• 休学すること - means "pause studying" in Japanese.
• は - topic marking particle in Japanese.
• 大切な - adjective meaning "important" or "precious" in Japanese.
• 決断 - noun meaning "decision" or "resolution" in Japanese.
• です - verb "to be" in polite form in Japanese.

仮定を立てることは重要です。

Katen wo tateru koto wa juuyou desu

It is important to make assumptions.

• 仮定 (katei) - assumption, hypothesis
• を (wo) - object particle
• 立てる (tateru) - make, create, establish
• こと (koto) - abstract noun
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• です (desu) - verb to be, to stay

体を鍛えることは健康に良いです。

Karada wo kitaeru koto wa kenkou ni yoi desu

Exercising the body is good for health.

Training your body is good for your health.

• 体を鍛えること - means "exercising the body".
• は - topic particle.
• 健康に - means "for health".
• 良いです - means "it's good".

佐藤さんはとても親切です。

Satou

Sato is very kind.

• 佐藤さん - first name in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• とても - adverb in Japanese that means "very"
• 親切 - adjective in Japanese that means "kind"
• です - The verb "to be" in Japanese, in the present and formal tense.

何でそんなことをするの？

Nande sonna koto wo suru no?

Why are you doing this?

Why did you do that?

• 何で - "why"
• そんな - "thus"
• こと - "thing"
• を - direct object particle
• する - "to do"
• の - End of sentence particle

何と言っていいか分からない。

Nanto itte ii ka wakaranai

I do not know what to say.

I do not know what to say.

• 何と言っていいか - Japanese expression meaning "I don't know what to say"
• 分からない - Japanese verb meaning "not to understand"

何とも言えない。

Nantomo ienai

I can't say anything about it.

I can't say anything.

• 何とも言えない - Japanese expression meaning "indescribable" or "difficult to explain"

余所見を持つことは大切です。

Yosoken wo motsu koto wa taisetsu desu

It is important to have an outside perspective.

It is important to look extraordinary.

• 余所見 - External view
• 持つ - TO HAVE
• こと - Thing
• 大切 - Important
• です - is