How to Use the Particle で in Japanese

1. Location of an Action

Meaning: “at,” “in” (where the action happens)

Structure: [Place] + で+ [Action]

Usage Tip: Use this when something happens at a specific place.

Example:
図書館で本を読みます。
(としょかんでほんをよみます)
I read a book at the library.

2. Means /Method / Tool

Meaning: “by,” “with,” “using”

Structure: [Tool / Method] + で+ [Action]

Usage Tip: Use when describing how something is done.

Example :
電車で行きます。
(でんしゃでいきます)
I go by train.

箸でご飯を食べます。
(はしでごはんをたべます)
I eat rice with chopsticks.

3. Cause / Reason

Meaning: “because of,” “due to”

Structure: [Reason] + で + [Result]

Usage Tip: Use for physical causes like sickness, weather, accidents, etc.

Example:
病気で学校を休みました。
(びょうきでがっこうをやすみました)
I missed school because of sickness.

4. Cost / Price

Meaning: “for (amount of money)”

Structure: [Amount] + で + [Transaction]

Usage Tip: Use when talking about buying or selling prices.

Example:
100円でリンゴを買いました。
(ひゃくえんでりんごをかいました)
I bought an apple for 100 yen.

5. Time Duration (How long it takes)

Meaning: “in (amount of time)”

Structure: [Duration] + で + [Completion]

Usage Tip: Use this to say how long something takes to finish.

Example:
10分で宿題を終わりました。
(じゅっぷんでしゅくだいをおわりました)
I finished my homework in 10 minutes.

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