The Japanese particle ni is one of the most frequently employed particles
because it has so many different uses. There is no single English translation for
the particle ni because much depends on the context in which the particle is used.
Let’s begin by reviewing some of the most common uses of the particle ni.
Indirect Object Marker
Ni can be used after an indirect object and in this case is often translated as
“to” or has no direct translation in English at all. An indirect object is a noun
that is the receiver of the action of the sentence. (Note: You will also often find
the similar particle e [written as he in hiragana] used interchangeably with ni
as an indirect object marker.) Here are a few examples:
Haha ni iimeiru wo okimashita.
“I sent an e-mail to my mother.”
Nakama wa Yukari-san ni shitsumon wo kikimashita.
“My colleague asked Yukari-san a question.” (No particle in English before “Yukari-
san.”)
Watashi ni sore wo agete kudasai.
“Please give me that.” or “Please give that to me.”
You may notice that the indirect object comes before the direct object (the noun
that is being acted upon) in the sentence.