JLPT N5 grammar

〜へmeaning and usage

Meaning

The particle へ marks the direction or destination of movement, often translated as 'to' or 'toward.'

How to form it

  • nounへ
  • nounへのnoun

How it is used

As a particle, 「へ」 is read 「え」 and marks direction. It is usually interchangeable with 「に」, though 「へ」 leans toward direction and 「に」 toward arrival. Before a noun, use 「への」: 「友達への手紙」 (a letter to a friend).

Examples

  1. 今日は病院へ行った。

    I went to the hospital today.

  2. 夏休みに国へ帰ります。

    I'm going back to my home country for summer vacation.

  3. この電車は東京へ行きますか。

    Does this train go to Tokyo?

About the example In 病院へ行った, the particle へ marks 病院 (the hospital) as the destination of the movement.