Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 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 4
Where the action happens
Recognize as the place-of-action marker.
Start with the example
。
I study at the library.
Notice the variation
。
I eat at home.
More detail: how to apply this
The particle marks the place where an action happens.
If the sentence is about doing something somewhere, is a strong clue.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Read the predicate before deciding whether the place is an action setting or a destination.
supplies the action, write. Connect it back to : the writing happens at home.
。
I write a letter at home.
Read the predicate before deciding whether the place is an action setting or a destination.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I study at the library.
Vocabulary notes
- べんきょうします
- study
Compare in context
。
I eat at home.
Vocabulary notes
- うち
- home; our place
Compare in context
。
I play in the park.
Vocabulary notes
- こうえん
- park
Section 2 of 4
Do not confuse で with に / へ
Do not confuse with /
Start with the example
。
I go to school.
Notice the variation
。
I study at school.
More detail: how to apply this
Use or when going to a destination.
Use when the action itself happens there.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I go to school.
In this example, the message is: I go to school.
。
I go to school.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I go to school.
Showing Do not confuse で with に / へ: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I go to school.
Vocabulary notes
- がっこう
- school
- いきます
- go
Preview
。
I study at school.
Vocabulary notes
- がっこう
- school
- べんきょうします
- study
Preview
。
I return home.
Vocabulary notes
- うち
- home; our place
- かえります
- return home (polite)
Section 3 of 4
Read the place with the verb
Read the predicate before deciding whether the place is an action setting or a destination.
Read the place with the verb
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
locates the action at home. It is not a movement destination here.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When you read, connect the place phrase closely to the action.
The place tells you where the studying, writing, or reading happens.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I study Japanese in the classroom.
In this example, the message is: I study Japanese in the classroom.
。
I study Japanese in the classroom.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I study Japanese in the classroom.
Showing Read the place with the verb: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
I study Japanese in the classroom.
Vocabulary notes
- べんきょうします
- study
Preview
。
I write a letter at home.
Vocabulary notes
- うち
- home; our place
Preview
。
I read a book at the library.
Vocabulary notes
- ほん
- book
- よみます
- read
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
Why are the particles different?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
Why are the particles different?
is an action;
states presence.
Location particles follow the kind of predicate.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
is an action; states presence. Location particles follow the kind of predicate.
Why are the particles different?
Supported meaning: で locates reading; に locates someone's existence
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.