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).