…で
…de
The English phrase "at" can be translated into Japanese using …で (…de) or …に. Wiktionary also lists … に (…ni).
Meaning: in or very near a particular place (prep)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| …で | …de |
| … に | …ni |
The phrase is used to indicate being in or very near a particular place.
Which one should you use?
The choice between the two forms depends on whether you are describing existence or an action. Use …で when the location is the site where an action or event takes place. Use …に when the location is where something or someone exists or is located.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle …に can also mean "at" in the sense of arriving at a destination when used with verbs of motion.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is …de.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use …に to describe where an action is performed. However, you must use …で for active verbs.
Did you know?
- The particle に was historically written using the kanji 仁, which originally meant 'benevolence' or 'humanity'.
- Unlike English, where 'at' is a separate word, で and に are 'postpositions', meaning they always follow the noun they modify.
- The particle に can indicate a physical location 'at', but it is also used to mark the indirect object of a sentence, such as 'to' a person.
Examples in context
- 学校で勉強しますI study at school.
- レストランで食事しますI will have a meal at a restaurant.
- 公園にてピクニックを楽しみますWe will enjoy a picnic at the park.
- 式典はホテルにて行われますThe ceremony will be held at the hotel.
- 駅に着きましたI arrived at the station.
- 友達の家で遊びますI will play at my friend's house.
- 公園で待ち合わせましょうLet's meet up at the park.
- 田中さんの家に集まっていますWe are gathering at Mr. Tanaka's house.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “at” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries に, CC BY-SA 4.0.
