Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
Specific times with に
The particle に often marks a specific time. It is common with clock times like seven o’clock or nine o’clock.
Target signal
しちじにおきます。
I wake up at seven.
Notice how Time and Destination with に / へ shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- おきます
- wake up (polite)
- ます
- polite verb ending
- に
- to; at; in; on
Compare in context
はちじにがっこうへいきます。
I go to school at eight.
Notice how Time and Destination with に / へ shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- いきます
- go
- がっこう
- school
- こう
- like this; this way
Compare in context
くじにねます。
I go to bed at nine.
Notice how Time and Destination with に / へ shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ねます
- sleep; go to bed (polite)
- ます
- polite verb ending
- に
- to; at; in; on
Section 2 of 3
Destinations with に and へ
に can also mark many destinations. The particle へ, read e in this role, highlights direction toward a place.
Target signal
としょかんにいきます。
I go to the library.
Notice how Time and Destination with に / へ shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- いきます
- go
- ます
- polite verb ending
- か
- question marker; or
Preview
がっこうへいきます。
I go to school.
Notice how Time and Destination with に / へ shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- いきます
- go
- がっこう
- school
- こう
- like this; this way
Preview
うちへかえります。
I return home.
Notice how Time and Destination with に / へ shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- かえります
- return home (polite)
- うち
- home; our place
- ます
- polite verb ending
Section 3 of 3
Read time and direction together
Read time words and destination phrases as separate clues. First ask when the action happens, then ask where the movement goes.
Target signal
しちじにとしょかんにいきます。
I go to the library at seven.
Notice how Time and Destination with に / へ shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- いきます
- go
- ます
- polite verb ending
- か
- question marker; or
Preview
はちじにがっこうへいきます。
I go to school at eight.
Notice how Time and Destination with に / へ shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- いきます
- go
- がっこう
- school
- こう
- like this; this way
Preview
くじにうちへかえります。
I return home at nine.
Notice how Time and Destination with に / へ shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- かえります
- return home (polite)
- うち
- home; our place
- ます
- polite verb ending