Quoting with と

Use と to quote words and short sentences so you can read speech, thoughts, and reported content more smoothly.

Attach と to quoted words or sentences.Read quoted content before verbs like 言う, 書く, and 思う.Distinguish quotation と from と meaning “and” or “with”.

Guided study

Quoting words and short lines

Place と after the quoted word or sentence, then add a verb such as 言う or 書く. This is one of the most useful patterns for reading reported speech.

「ありがとう」と言った。

I said, “Thank you.”

A short direct quote can be only one word.

田中さんは「行く」と言った。

Tanaka said, “I’ll go.”

The quoted content comes before と.

ノートに「休み」と書いた。

I wrote “day off” in the notebook.

You can also quote a written word or label.

Use these hub pages to connect this lesson with related reading practice and grammar paths.

Use the N5 Japanese grammar lessons guide to connect this lesson with related reading practice.

Use the Japanese grammar practice guide to connect this lesson with related reading practice.

Use the Japanese grammar lessons guide to connect this lesson with related reading practice.