JLPT N5-N3 reference
へ: direction towardへ ・ E
The particle へ points toward a direction or destination. It is written へ but pronounced e when used as a particle.
Core pattern
Use place + へ with movement verbs such as 行く、来る、帰る.
来年、日本へ行きます。Rainen, Nihon e ikimasu.I am going to Japan next year.
どうぞ中へ入ってください。Dōzo naka e haitte kudasai.Please come inside.
へ vs に
| Particle | Emphasis | Example |
|---|---|---|
| へ | direction or movement toward | 京都へ向かいます。 Head toward Kyoto. |
| に | destination or endpoint | 京都に着きます。 Arrive in Kyoto. |
With ordinary 行く、来る、帰る, both often name the destination naturally. The difference is usually one of perspective, not physical distance.
Combinations
へ can be followed by topic, inclusion, and genitive particles in expressions such as 日本へは行きません, 東京へも行きました, and 未来への希望.
Common errors
- Pronounce the particle へ as e, not he.
- Do not use it for a static location or the place of an action.
- Arrival verbs such as 着く select に, not へ.
Quick summary
- へ presents a direction or orientation toward something.
- It is written へ and pronounced e.
- It overlaps with destination に after common movement verbs.
- The verb may restrict which particle is possible.