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fatum (Offline)
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で vs に? - 08-25-2011, 06:07 PM

I've been searching around quite a bit, but I haven't found much helpful information on the subject. Could anyone provide tips for remembering the appropriate time from using each particle? Would this be correct usage for で?

僕の家で

Intended translation being "In my house"

I'm not sure if 僕 is the correct word to use in the situation either, but I think the original idea can be understood!

Thanks for any help.
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evanny (Offline)
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08-25-2011, 07:37 PM

well. a very simple explanation is that に is used for when action is towards something and for time.  で(can also use へ) is used when something happens inside something/at something.

家に行きました。i went home.
家で宿題をしました。i did my homework at home.

however when something is inside something (or among), you use の なか で (の中で).
ペンはかばんの中であります。 the pen is inside a bag.
全部国の中で日本は一番好きです。from all the countries i love Japan the most.

(btw, i really hope there aren't any mistakes. even so - i am also learning. on the other hand it is summer break, haven't trained much, so it is forgiveable)
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KyleGoetz (Offline)
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08-26-2011, 12:52 AM

It depends on your verb. Alll depends on your verb. Since you're asking about に vs で, I'm assuming you're talking about within the context of "location" (the only place where they really overlap as particles).

If a "static" verb (a very small class including 住む、いる、ある) you use に to mark location. Otherwise, you use で to mark location.

Compare:
日本にいる = I am in Japan.
日本で食べる = I eat in Japan.
アメリカに住んでいる = I live in the US
アメリカでテニスをする = I play tennis in the US

So, regarding 僕の家で, it depends on the verb. If you're going to say いる then it's に, but if you're going to describe an action you do in your house, then you use で.

As far as where to read up on this stuff, there are entire books about particles. Buy one. Look for books published by Kodansha with the word "particle" in the title, for example.

Last edited by KyleGoetz : 08-26-2011 at 12:55 AM.
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