How to use Japanese particles で (de) and に (ni) with places

1. Place + で + verb of action

で = the place where an action happens

=> Use で when someone does an action at a location.

Structure:
[Place] + で + action verb

Common action verbs:
のみます (drink)
たべます (eat)
べんきょうします (study)
はたらきます (work)
あそびます (play)

Examples:
カフェでコーヒーをのみます。
(かふぇでこーひーをのみます。)
I drink coffee at a café.

図書館でべんきょうします。
(としょかんでべんきょうします。)
I study at the library.

Tip: If there is an activity or action, think で.

2. Place + に + verb of direction (movement)

に = destination / direction

=> Use に when you move toward a place.

Structure:
[Place] + に + verb of movement

Common movement verbs:
いきます (go)
きます (come)
かえります (return)

Examples:
学校にいきます。
(がっこうにいきます。)
I go to school.

日本にきます。
(にほんにきます。)
I come to Japan.

Tip: If the verb means go / come / return, use に.

3. Place + に + verb of existence

に = location where someone or something exists

=> Use に to say someone or something is located somewhere.

Verbs of existence:
います → for people and animals
あります → for objects and plants

Examples:
先生は教室にいます。
せんせいはきょうしつにいます。
The teacher is in the classroom.

机の上に本があります。
つくえのうえにほんがあります。
There is a book on the desk.

Tip: If the meaning is “to be” or “to exist”, use に.

Final quick tip:
で → action happens there

に → go there / exist there

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