Japanese grammar

What does ～に（point in time） mean? Japanese grammar N5

～に（point in time） means at ~ (a specific point in time).

Quick facts
Level (estimated, JLPT framework)	N5
Structure	時間に V
Romaji	~ ni
Meaning	at ~ (a specific point in time)

How to use it

Indicate the point in time an action happens.

に is used with a SPECIFIC point in time that has a number or can be pinned to a calendar/clock: 7時に, 月曜日に, 3月に.
に is NOT used with relative time words: 今日・明日・昨日・毎日・今 — these words stand alone.
With 朝・夜・週末, に is optional either way.

Examples

毎朝(まいあさ)六(ろく)時(じ)に起(お)きます。
I get up at six every morning.
日曜日(にちようび)に友(とも)だちと会(あ)います。
I meet a friend on Sunday.

Common mistakes

Wrong明日(あした)に行(い)きます。

Correct明日(あした)行(い)きます。

明日/今日/昨日 are relative time words — they do NOT take に.

Exam tips

Common trap: 明日に (wrong) vs 明日 (correct), 7時に (correct).

Related patterns

All N5 grammar →