In this article, we will explore the most common ways 「と」 is used, organized by meaning. The goal is not just to memorize rules, but to understand how this particle works in real conversation and writing.
Listing and Doing Things Together
When you want to connect two nouns or show that you do something with someone, 「と」 is the particle to use.
パンとミルクをかいました。
Pan to miruku o kaimashita.
I bought bread and milk.
ともだちとえいがを見ました。
Tomodachi to eiga o mimashita.
I watched a movie with my friend.
いぬとさんぽしました。
Inu to sanpo shimashita.
I took a walk with my dog.
ピカチュウとぼうけんに出かけました。
Pikachū to bōken ni dekakemashita.
I went on an adventure with Pikachu.
Relationships or Opponents
Some verbs naturally pair with 「と」 to show a relationship or an opponent.
私はかれとけっこんしました。
Watashi wa kare to kekkon shimashita.
I married him.
ともだちとやくそくしました。
Tomodachi to yakusoku shimashita.
I made a promise with my friend.
兄とけんかしました。
Ani to kenka shimashita.
I fought with my older brother.
This pattern is common with verbs like kekkon suru (to marry), yakusoku suru (to promise), hanasu (to talk), and kenka suru (to fight).
Saying, Thinking, or Feeling Something
「と」 often marks the content of what is said, thought, or felt.
山田さんは「明日行きます」と言いました。
Yamada-san wa "ashita ikimasu" to iimashita.
Yamada-san said, “I will go tomorrow.”
日本語はむずかしいと思います。
Nihongo wa muzukashii to omoimasu.
I think that Japanese is difficult.
先生がしゅくだいはむずかしいと言いました。
Sensei ga shukudai wa muzukashii to iimashita.
The teacher said that the homework is difficult.
This kind of 「と」 connects the idea or quote to the verb, such as iu (to say), omou (to think), or kanjiru (to feel).
Names and Labels
When giving the name of something, 「と」 appears in patterns like 「といいます」 or 「とよばれています」.
このキャラクターは「ドラえもん」といいます。
Kono kyarakutā wa "Doraemon" to iimasu.
This character is called “Doraemon.”
これは「おにぎり」とよばれています。
Kore wa "onigiri" to yobarete imasu.
This is called “onigiri.”
これは「わらびもち」といって、日本のデザートです。
Kore wa "warabimochi" to itte, Nihon no dezāto desu.
This is called “warabimochi” and it is a Japanese dessert.
Comparing Two Things
When you compare, 「と」 marks the item used for comparison.
日本の冬とオーストラリアの冬はちがいます。
Nihon no fuyu to Ōsutoraria no fuyu wa chigaimasu.
Japan’s winter and Australia’s winter are different.
去年とくらべて、今年の夏はあついです。
Kyonen to kurabete, kotoshi no natsu wa atsui desu.
Compared to last year, this summer is hot.
This is often seen in phrases like とちがいます (different from), とおなじです (the same as), and とくらべて (compared to).
Natural Results or Conditions
「と」 can also indicate a natural result or something that always follows when the condition is met.
このボタンをおすと、ドアがあきます。
Kono botan o osu to, doa ga akimasu.
If you press this button, the door opens.
春になると、花がさきます。
Haru ni naru to, hana ga sakimasu.
When spring comes, flowers bloom.
This is different from other conditionals like tara or ba. 「と」 is used when the result happens naturally or automatically, such as with machines, nature, or predictable rules.
Final Thoughts
The particle 「と」 may look simple, but it carries many functions. It connects nouns, marks a partner or opponent, introduces thoughts and quotes, gives names, makes comparisons, and expresses natural results.
The key is to notice the verb or phrase that comes after 「と」. That will guide you to the correct meaning. By practicing these common patterns in real conversation, you will become more confident in understanding and using 「と」 in everyday Japanese.