Japanese Particles - Contrast - ni and e

ni and e

Ni and e can both indicate direction of motion, meaning "to" or "at" in English. In this sense, e is perhaps closer to English "towards" in terms of use (see example below). As long as ni is used directionally, it is possible to substitute e in its place. Ni used in other senses cannot be replaced by e:

Gakkō ni iku. "I'm going to school," where gakkō, "school," is the destination of iku, "go."

Gakkō e iku. "I'm going to school," where gakkō, "school," is the destination of iku, "go."

Gakkō ni iru. "I'm at school," where gakkō, "school," is the location of iru, "be;" not a destination.

*Gakkō e iru. *"I'm to school," is not a possible construction since "be" is not a verb of motion.

Tomodachi ni au "I'll meet my friends," where tomodachi, "friends," is the indirect object of au, "meet;" not a destination.

*Tomodachi e au *"I'll meet to my friends," which is impossible because "meet" is not a verb of motion.

Hon o kai ni itta "I went to buy a book," where kai ni, "to buy," shows purpose or intent, and is a verbal adverb; not destination.

*Hon o kai e itta *"I went towards buying a book," is not possible because kai, "buying," cannot be a destination.

Indicating direction, using e instead of ni is preferred when ni is used non-directionally in proximity:

Tomodachi ni ai ni Kyōto e itta. "I went to Kyoto to meet my friends."