Top 7 Prepositions in Japanese You Need to Know!

Mastering prepositions is key to expressing yourself clearly in any language, and Japanese is no exception. Although Japanese doesn’t use prepositions in the same way as English, it has postpositions — particles that follow nouns to show relationships like location, direction, and time. Let’s explore the Top 7 postpositions in Japanese, starting with four that are incredibly useful for everyday conversations.

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1. 後ろに (ushiro ni) – Behind

Want to describe something’s position relative to another? Use 後ろに (ushiro ni), which means “behind.”

• Example:
  • 検査室は本棚の後ろにあります。 (Kensashitsu wa hondana no ushiro ni arimasu.)
  • The examination room is behind the bookshelf.

This particle is especially helpful when navigating spaces or giving directions.

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2. 近くに (chikaku ni) – Near

If you’re locating something close by, 近くに (chikaku ni) will be your go-to.

• Example:
  • 銀行はスーパーの近くにあります。 (Ginkō wa sūpā no chikaku ni arimasu.)
  • The bank is near the supermarket.

This postposition is commonly used when describing the proximity of objects or places.

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3. 周りに (mawari ni) – Around

When talking about things in a surrounding area, 周りに (mawari ni) is the perfect choice.

• Example:
  • 公園の周りに居酒屋があります。 (Kōen no mawari ni izakaya ga arimasu.)
  • There are pubs around the park.

This is particularly useful when describing a broader area or multiple points of interest.

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4. 間に (aida ni) – Between

To indicate the position between two things, use 間に (aida ni).

• Example:
  • ソファは銀行と大学の間にあります。 (Sofa wa ginkō to daigaku no aida ni arimasu.)
  • The sofa is between the bank and the university.

This is an essential particle for creating spatial relationships.

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5. 上に (ue ni) – On/Above

上に (ue ni) is used to describe something located on or above another object.

• Example:
  • 電話はテーブルの上にあります。 (Denwa wa tēburu no ue ni arimasu.)
  • The phone is on the table.

This particle comes in handy when describing the placement of objects in your surroundings.

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6. 下に (shita ni) – Under/Below

The counterpart of 上に is 下に (shita ni), used to describe something beneath another.

• Example:
  • 小さい犬はテーブルの下にいます。 (Chiisai inu wa tēburu no shita ni imasu.)
  • The small dog is under the table.

Whether talking about furniture arrangements or hidden items, this particle is invaluable.

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7. 前に (mae ni) – In Front Of

To describe something in front of another object, use 前に (mae ni).

• Example:
  • 車はビルの前に止まっています。 (Kuruma wa biru no mae ni tomatte imasu.)
  • The car is parked in front of the building.

This particle is frequently used in everyday scenarios, from describing locations to giving directions.

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Quick Tips for Using Japanese Postpositions

• Word Order Matters: In Japanese, the noun comes first, followed by the postposition.
  • Example: Table + Under = Table’s Under = テーブルの下に (tēburu no shita ni).
• Add Verbs: Postpositions often pair with verbs like あります (arimasu) for inanimate objects or います (imasu) for animate objects.
  • Example: 猫は箱の上にいます (Neko wa hako no ue ni imasu).
  • The cat is on the box.

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Conclusion

These top 7 Japanese postpositions will help you describe locations with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re navigating a bustling city, giving directions, or just describing your surroundings, these particles will elevate your Japanese skills. Practice them in your conversations, and watch how much smoother your sentences flow! If you’re excited to dive deeper into the Japanese language and master more than just prepositions, check out Koderbox! With engaging courses and expert guidance, Koderbox can help you achieve your language learning goals. Start your journey today