Kylecito
'ni' vs 'e' in this example. also... why 'chotto' instead of 'sukoshi' ? I was wondering... In this example the speaker said 'KONSAATO ni ikimasen ka' and then later he said 'KONSAATO e ikimasen ka' is it any different? different emphasis maybe? is there any rule for using any of either? also... why use 'chotto' in some places instead of 'sukoshi' ? for instance... sukoshi nihongo o hanashimasu i can understand that one... but then 'ee, chotto hima ga arimasu' and some other examples i can't remember right now haha... but the point is, why say 'chotto hima' instead of 'sukoshi hima' ? Thanks as always to everyone that answers, i REALLY appreciate all your help!
Aug 9, 2008 4:56 PM
Answers · 2
3
The difference between 'ni(に)' and 'e(へ)'. Originally 'ni' indicates place, and 'e' indicates direction. In most of the cases, these two particles are interchangeable. ex) Tokyo ni(e) yuku. Gakko ni(e) yuku. But if the obgect is not a place, but some action. Only 'ni' is used. Benkyo ni yuku. Renshu ni yuku. I think 'Konsaato e iku' is a grey zone expression. Some Japanese may not feel any problem, and some may feel strange. I feel strange a little bit, because concert is not a place, it's an activity.
August 11, 2008
2
I agree with Mago-san completely. re: sukoshi vs. chotto, sukoshi is more formal than chotto. Also, I believe chotto is not often used in writing (except in dialogs/quotes) while sukoshi can be used in all situation. So in dialogs/conversations, they are interchangeable. But in writing, it's better to use "sukoshi" although "chotto" can still be used. I hope this helps.
August 11, 2008
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!