Renji wa ugoite imasu
Confusing particles (“ni”, “e”, “de”)
“ni”
The particle “ni” indeed emphasizes points of existence and destinations. 
Kyouto ni ikimasu.
Koko ni kuruma o tomemasu.
In addition to indicating points of existence and destinations, the particle “に” (ni) in Japanese is also used to express specific times and is associated with static verbs like “suwaru” (to sit), “noru” (to ride), “sumu” (to live), “iru” (to exist), and “hairu” (to enter). These verbs typically involve actions related to specific points or places.
Isu ni suwarimasu.
Densha ni norimasu.
Toukyou ni sumimasu.
Kyoushitsu ni hairimasu.
Neko ga ki no ue ni imasu.
“e”
The particle “e” emphasizes the direction or destination of movement itself.
“ni” and “e” are quite similar in terms of expressing directions, but they have nuanced differences in usage.
“ni” specifically indicates destinations or points where an action is directed after motion has occurred. For example, “gakkou ni ikimasu” means “I am going to school,” emphasizing the destination.
On the other hand, “e” emphasizes the direction or path of motion itself. For instance, “gakkou e ikimasu” also means “I am going to school,” but it emphasizes the direction toward school rather than the specific destination.
In many cases, these particles can be used interchangeably, especially in everyday speech. However, their specific nuances can subtly alter the focus or emphasis of a sentence, making it important to choose the appropriate particle based on whether you want to emphasize the destination or the direction of movement.
Amerika ni ijuu suru. (I emigrate to the U.S.) emphasizing the place
Amerika e ijuu suru. (I emigrate to the U.S.) emphasizing the direction
“de”
“de” in Japanese serves dual functions depending on the context:
- Indicating Locations: “de” indicates the specific place or location where an action takes place or where something exists. Example:
- resutoran de tabemasu – I eat at the restaurant.
- Instrumental Function: Additionally, “de” functions to indicate the means, method, or tool used to perform an action. It can be translated as “using” or “with”. Example:
- pen de kakimasu – I write with a pen.
Kyoushitsu de odorimasu. (I dance in a classroom.) >>> I dance using a classroom.
Hasami de yasai o kirimasu. (I cut vegetables with a scissor.) >>> I cut vegetables using a scissor.
Difference between “wa” and “ga”
“wa” and “ga” can indeed be confusing to understand. Here’s a simplified overview of their functions.
“wa”
“wa” is the mark of the signboard, and it explains about an object before “wa”. The picture on the left shows the image of “wa”. The heart in red is the object that is to be explained.
It is in your mind (the object is already collected in your mind) and is mainly used with noun-sentences and adjective sentences. Describing its features means that you have already collected the objects.
“wa” is for explaining about something in your mind.
“ga”
“ga” means the mark of the subject. It is for depicting the situation.
It is happening in front of you (the object is collected right now and here, then emphasized.) and is mainly used with verb-sentence.
“ga” is for the depiction of something new in front of you, and it’s also used in sentences as a part.
“wa” is always the topic and the signboard of sentences. The topic is something that you know already in your mind and you are explaining about it, while “ga” is representing something that is collected now and reporting and depicting about it. Topic “wa” is something silent after once saying it, only indicated once.
Renji ga ugoite imasu. (fresh information and depicting the situation)
After certain time
Renji wa ugoite imasu. (known information, explaining the situation)