JLPT N5 Grammar: 〜に (ni) — Time Point
Marking specific times — “at / on / in” (precise time expressions)
JLPT N5 文法 助詞「に」( 時間 ) 解説
⏱️ Study time: 5–7 minutes
The particle に (ni) marks a specific time point — "at 3 o'clock", "on Monday", "in April". But it's not used with relative times like "today", "tomorrow", or "every day". Knowing when to use に and when to leave it out is a core N5 skill.
Quick Summary
に (time)
At / on / in (specific time)
Time noun + に + Predicate
７時に起きます。しちじにおきます。Shichiji ni okimasu.
I get up at 7 o'clock.
📝 Core Pattern
💡 Toggle furigana, hiragana, or romaji for easier reading.
What is the time に?
に is the particle that marks a specific point in time — clock times, days of the week, dates, months, years. It pins an action to a precise moment on the calendar or clock, like "at 7:00" or "on Monday".
- It must be a fixed, named time — a number on a clock or a date on the calendar.
- It is not used with relative time words like 今日 (today), 明日 (tomorrow), or 毎日 (every day).
- It can be used with the question word いつ (when) — but いつ never takes に.
私は毎朝６時に起きます。わたしはまいあさろくじにおきます。Watashi wa maiasa rokuji ni okimasu.
I get up at 6 o'clock every morning. (毎朝 has no に, but ６時 does.)
⚡ When to Use に (Fixed Time Points)
⚡ When NOT to Use に (Relative / Repeating Times)
💡 Rule of thumb: If the time word names a fixed point on a clock or calendar (３時, 月曜日, ４月), use に. If it's relative to "now" (今日, 明日, 毎日), don't use に.
Examples & Mini Dialogue
日曜日に友達と映画を見ます。にちようびにともだちとえいがをみます。Nichiyōbi ni tomodachi to eiga o mimasu.
On Sunday I watch a movie with my friend.
✅ 日曜日 is a specific day — use に.
明日試験があります。あしたしけんがあります。Ashita shiken ga arimasu.
There is an exam tomorrow. (No に — 明日 is relative.)
A: 何時に会いますか。なんじにあいますか。Nanji ni aimasu ka.
B: １０時に会いましょう。じゅうじにあいましょう。Jūji ni aimashō.
⚡ に (time point) vs から / まで
Common Mistakes (and Fixes)
JLPT N5 Practice Questions
1. “I go to school at 8 o'clock.” Should に be used?
2. Which word takes に?
3. “I came home at 10 o'clock.” Choose the correct sentence.
Test yourself with a free mock exam →
About the Instructor
Taught by Anup Sensei at Gogaku Language & Training Center in Pokhara. With real Japan experience and a focus on exam essentials, he helps students pass the JLPT with confidence.
⚡ Vocabulary Used in This Lesson
Related Grammar
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 明日 not take に?
明日 is a relative time expression — its meaning changes depending on when you say it. に is reserved for fixed, absolute points on the clock or calendar.
Does いつ (when) take に?
No. いつ never takes に. Say いつ行きますか, not いつに行きますか.
Can I use に with 午前中 (in the morning)?
No. 午前中 is a span of time, not a fixed point, so it does not take に. Same for 午後, 夕方, etc.
Continue Learning
Next: に (ni) — Location & Existence.
Learn Location に →→ Explore the JLPT N5 Grammar Hub
Ready to Pass JLPT N5 with Confidence?
Join Anup Sensei's intensive course at Gogaku Language & Training Center, Pokhara. Small batches, real conversation, mock tests, and full grammar mastery.
Join Now – www.gogakueducation.com