で (de)

Meaning 意味

in; at; on; by; with; via ~

How to use 使い方

 

Verb (dictionary form)	だけ
Noun
な-adjective + な
い-adjective

 

Learn Japanese grammar: で (de) has various meanings, including in; at; on; by; with; via; and even because.

The meaning changes based on the context of the sentence. Let’s look at some basic examples.

Meaning 1) で – place of action

Indicates the place where an action occurs. In this pattern, the preceding noun must be a location.

• 学校で日本語を勉強する。

• がっこうでにほんごをべんきょうする。

• gakkou de nihongo wo benkyou suru.

• I study Japanese at school.

Meaning 2) で – a means or method

Indicates a means or method. Similar to “by”, “with”, or “via”

• 車で行く。

• くるまでいく。

• kuruma de iku.

• I will go by/via car.

Meaning 3) で – a total amount

Indicates a total amount of something (time, money, etc).

• 1時間で終わります。

• いちじかんでおわります。

• ichijikan de owarimasu.

• I’ll finish (in total) in one hour.

Meaning 4) で – reason for action

• 病気で今日休みます。

• びょうきできょうやすみます。

• byouki de kyou yasumimasu.

• Because I’m sick, I’m taking today off.

This meaning is very similar to the grammar ので (node).