Meaning & usage
The particle で marks the tool, vehicle, language, or method used to perform an action, corresponding to with, by, or in English. It attaches directly to a noun denoting the means, as in はしで, バスで, or にほんごで, and the phrase is placed before the verb. It is neutral and used in both casual speech and formal writing. Be careful to attach で directly to the noun without adding の or other particles in between.
Example sentences 8
-
えんぴつであなたの名前を書きなさい。
Write your name with the pencil.
-
バスでそこまで行くといくらかかりますか？
How much will it cost to get there by bus?
-
イタリア語では何て言うんですか。
How do you say that in Italian?
-
わたしははしでごはんをたべます。
I eat rice with chopsticks.
-
ちちはでんしゃでかいしゃへいきます。
My father goes to the office by train.
-
わたしたちはにほんごではなします。
We speak in Japanese.
-
はははじてんしゃでスーパーへいきます。
My mother goes to the supermarket by bicycle.
-
あねははさみでかみをきります。
My older sister cuts paper with scissors.
In past JLPT papers
This came up in 17 past exam questions.
And 13 more tests.
