へ
Direction Marker
e
TypeCase
JLPT Leveln5
Summary
Indicates direction toward a destination, emphasizing the direction rather than the specific arrival point.
Usage Rules
- •Marks direction toward a destination
- •Pronounced 'e' despite being written へ
- •More general than に — emphasizes direction, not necessarily arrival
- •Can often be replaced by に but sounds more abstract
- •Only used with movement verbs: 行く, 来る, 帰る
- •Common in letters and formal writing: 東京へ
Example Sentences
日本へ行きます。
I'm going to Japan.
ともだちのいえへ行く。
Going to my friend's house.
えきへむかっています。
I'm heading toward the station.
母へのてがみを書いた。
I wrote a letter to my mother.
どちらへ？
Where are you headed?
Common Mistake
Using へ with non-movement verbs (can't use へ with いる, ある, etc.).