で (per / for each)

• Reading: で
• Romaji: de
• Formation: Number/Quantity + Counter + で + Result/Rate

Meaning

A particle indicating a rate, unit price, or quantity basis — 'per,' 'for,' or 'at the rate of.' It specifies how much of something corresponds to a given quantity or amount.

This usage of で sets up a ratio or distribution: a quantity + で + what you get for that amount. Common patterns include price + で (三百円で = for 300 yen), quantity + で (三つで = for three), and time + で (一時間で = in one hour). It differs from に, which marks a specific point or target, while で here establishes the basis of measurement or exchange. This で is the same particle that indicates means or method, extended to express the 'terms' of a transaction or measurement. It appears constantly in shopping, cooking, scheduling, and any context where rates or portions matter.

Examples

1. このりんごは三つで五百円です。 These apples are five hundred yen for three.
2. 一か月で五キロも痩せるのは体に悪い。 Losing five kilograms in one month is bad for your health.
3. この仕事は二人で十分対応できると思う。 I think two people can handle this job sufficiently.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, everyday

Tone: informational

Do Say

• この箱は十個で千二百円になります。
• 三十分で駅に着けると思う。
• 五人で一つの部屋を使うことになった。

Don't Say

• このケーキは三百円にです。(Price basis uses で, not に; に marks a destination or target, not a rate) → このケーキは三百円です。
• りんごを三つを買った。(When stating quantity with で for rate, use で not を; りんごを三つで買った) → りんごを三つで買った。

Origin & History

The particle で originates from the classical Japanese にて, indicating means, location, or circumstances. The 'rate/quantity' usage is an extension of the 'means' sense — the quantity serves as the means or basis for the transaction.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal