GRAMMAR DETAIL
で
Follows a tool, means of transportation, language, or similar noun to indicate the means or method of an action.
Examples
箸でうどんを食べます。
I eat udon with chopsticks.
Words used
兄はバスで会社へ行きます。
My older brother goes to work by bus.
Words used
この書類は鉛筆で書いてください。
Please write this document in pencil.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Add
でafter a tool, means of transport, language, or similar noun. - Basic usage:
箸でうどんを食べます。identifies chopsticks as the tool used for eating.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Instrument and object
- In
鉛筆で名前を書く, the pencil is the writing tool and the name is what is written. Distinguish instrumentalでfrom object-markingを.
- In
- Transport and language
バスで行くdescribes travel by bus, while日本語で話すdescribes speech in Japanese. A manner of travel can also use a linked verb, as in歩いて行くfor going on foot.