を

particle

direct object marker

Marks the direct object of a transitive verb. The most basic and frequent use of を.

• 本ほんを読よむ。

  I read a book.

particle

subject of causative

Marks the person made to do something in causative constructions. The causer is marked by が or は.

• 母ははは子こ供どもを買かい物ものに行いかせた。

  The mother made her child go shopping.

particle

through; along; across

Marks a place through which movement occurs, often with motion verbs like 歩く, 走る, 飛ぶ, 通る.

• 公こう園えんを散さん歩ぽする。

  I take a walk in the park.

particle

for (a period of time)

Marks a time span during which an action occurs, often with verbs like 過ごす, 暮らす, 生きる. Not used for a specific point in time.

• 夏なつ休やすみを海かい外がいで過すごした。

  I spent the summer vacation abroad.

particle

from; out of

Marks a point of departure or separation, used with verbs like 出る, 降りる, 離れる, 卒業する.

• 電でん車しゃを降おりる。

  I get off the train.

particle

object of desire/like/hate

Marks the object of emotions or desires with adjectives like 好き, 嫌い, 欲しい, and verbs like 望む. In modern Japanese, が is also common for these, but を is used especially when the object is clearly acted upon or in subordinate clauses.

See also: が

• 私わたしは猫ねこを愛あいしている。

  I love cats.