Breakdown of toshokan de wa ookina koe de hanasanaide kudasai
はwa
topic particle
話すhanasu
to speak
でde
location particle
でde
means particle
Questions & Answers about toshokan de wa ookina koe de hanasanaide kudasai
Why is it 図書館では and not just 図書館で?
で marks the place where an action happens, so 図書館で means in the library.
Adding は after で makes では, which adds a topic or contrast nuance. So 図書館では feels like:
- in the library, ...
- as for in the library, ...
- when it comes to the library, ...
In a sentence like this, では often sounds natural because it sets the location as the context for a rule or instruction.
So:
- 図書館で話さないでください = Please don’t talk in the library.
- 図書館では話さないでください = In the library, please don’t talk. / As for the library, please don’t talk there.
The difference is small, but では is very common in signs, rules, and general statements.
Why is there another で in 大きな声で?
The two で particles do different jobs.
- 図書館では: で marks the place of the action.
- 大きな声で: で marks the means or manner, meaning with or in a loud voice.
So 大きな声で話す literally means to speak with a loud voice.
This use of で is common:
- 日本語で話す = speak in Japanese
- 小さい声で話す = speak in a quiet voice
- 電話で話す = talk by phone
Why is it 大きな声 and not 大きい声?
