に (indirect object)

• Reading: に
• Romaji: ni
• Formation: Person/Recipient + に + (Object を) + Verb

Meaning

A particle that marks the indirect object — the person or entity that receives something, or toward whom an action is directed. It answers the question 'to whom?' or 'for whom?'

This に indicates the recipient or target of giving, telling, showing, teaching, and similar actions. Common verb patterns include ～にあげる (give to), ～に教える (teach to), ～に見せる (show to), ～に言う (say to), and ～に送る (send to). The indirect object に appears before the direct object を in standard word order. This usage is distinct from に marking a destination or location. A common confusion for learners is choosing between に and へ; while both can mark a direction, に specifically marks the recipient in giving/receiving contexts, and へ cannot replace に in these cases.

Examples

1. 友達にお土産を渡しました。 I gave a souvenir to my friend.
2. 先生に質問をしました。 I asked the teacher a question.
3. 妹に日本語を教えています。 I am teaching my younger sister Japanese.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, everyday

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 子供たちにお菓子をあげた。
• 彼女に花を贈りました。
• 上司に報告書を提出しました。

Don't Say

• 友達へプレゼントをあげた。(Using へ instead of に with あげる — giving verbs require に for the recipient) → 友達にプレゼントをあげた。
• 先生をに質問した。(Placing を before に in the wrong position) → 先生に質問した。

Origin & History

The indirect object use of に is an extension of its core directional meaning. As に indicates a target point in space, it naturally came to mark the target person of an action — the one toward whom the giving, telling, or showing is directed.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal