Roadmap Resources Book a Lesson

Essential Particles

Quick reference guide for the 13 most common Japanese particles (助詞).

✨ Tap any particle or example sentence to hear the pronunciation!

Core Markers

Topic (wa)
Introduces the main topic of the sentence.
As for this, it is a book.
Subject (ga)
Focuses on the specific subject/actor.
It is raining. (Focus on 'rain')
Direct Object (o)
Marks the direct object of a verb.
I drink water.
Destination/Time (ni)
Marks target, destination, or specific time.
I am going to Japan.
Location/Method (de)
Where an action happens or the tool used.
I go to school by bus.
Too / Also (mo)
Indicates addition (replaces wa, ga, o).
I am also a student.

Logic & Connection

から
From / Because (kara)
Marks start point or states a reason.
Because I'm busy, I can't go.
ので
Because / Since (node)
Logical reason (more polite than kara).
Since it was raining, I was late.
だけ
Only / Just (dake)
Sets a limit to the quantity or scope.
I only speak Japanese.
Connector (te)
Te-form used to link actions together.
I eat and (then) sleep.

Questions & Nuance

Question / Or (ka)
Marks a question or provides an alternative.
I buy a book or a magazine.
Agreement (ne)
Seeking agreement. Like "..., isn't it?".
Nice weather, isn't it?
Emphasis (yo)
Asserting new info or strong opinion.
Tomorrow is a holiday (I'm tellin' ya)!