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を

object (what the action is done to)

Noun + を + verb

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を marks the direct object: the thing an action is done to. 水を飲みます, "(I) drink water"; 本を読みます, "(I) read a book".

It's pronounced o, but written with its own kana, を. On a keyboard, type wo.

In casual speech を often drops out (水飲む?), but in writing and polite speech it stays.

を also marks a place you move through or leave: 公園を歩きます, "walk through the park"; 部屋を出ます, "leave the room".

What it doesn't mark is the thing liked, wanted or understood with 好き, ほしい and 分かる. Those take が, which catches out almost every learner at least once.

Examples

  • 毎朝まいあさ、水みずを飲のみます。

    I drink water every morning.

  • 日本語にほんごの本ほんを読よんでいます。

    I'm reading a Japanese book.

  • 駅えきで写真しゃしんを撮とりました。

    I took photos at the station.

  • 公園こうえんを散歩さんぽしました。

    I took a walk through the park.

  • 七時しちじに家いえを出でます。

    I leave the house at seven.

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