direct object marker
Form: noun + を + transitive verb. The を sits between the thing being acted on and the verb doing the acting.
Meaning: marks the direct object — the thing the action is done to. 本を読む read a book — 本 is what's being read.
Key uses:
- Direct object: 水を飲む drink water, 手紙を書く write a letter.
- Path or space traversed: 公園を歩く walk through the park, 橋を渡る cross the bridge. The verb has to be a motion verb here.
- Point of departure with motion verbs meaning leave: 家を出る leave the house, 電車を降りる get off the train.
vs. が: が marks the subject (who's doing it); を marks the object (what's being done to). 私が本を読む I read a book — both particles, both slots.
Pronunciation: the character is technically wo, but modern Japanese pronounces it o. It shows up only as this particle — you'll never find を inside a word.
Furigana is above every kanji; the pattern is already filled in.
ご飯＿＿食べます。
I eat rice.
本＿＿買いました。
I bought a book.
毎日日本語＿＿勉強します。
I study Japanese every day.