と (to)

Meaning & usage

The particle と marks quoted speech, thought, or perception, corresponding to that in English, and appears with verbs such as 思う, 言う, 聞く, and 信じる. It follows a complete clause in plain form, with だ kept after nouns and na-adjectives as in 正直だと, while verbs and i-adjectives attach directly and the volitional form expresses intention as in 行こうと. The subject inside the quotation normally takes が or は, not に, and negative polarity words like 全然 require a negative predicate even inside the quote.

Example sentences 5

1. その映画えいがは大たいした出来できではないと思おもっていた。

   I thought that movie wasn't very good.

2. 彼は以前、大変な金持ちだったと言われる。

   It is said that he was very rich.

3. 私は君が正直だと信じている。

   I believe you are honest.

4. 私はヨーロッパへ行こうと思っている。

   I'm thinking of going to Europe.

5. 私は彼に何と言ったら良いかわからなかった。

   I didn't know what to say to him.