に (4)

Particle (Basic ㊦ 295)

A particle that indicates the surface of something upon which some action directly takes place.

Equivalent: On; onto

子供は紙に絵を書いた・書きました。: A child has drawn a picture on the paper.
ここにあなたの名前と住所を書いて下さい。: Please write your name and address here.
ヘリコプターが山の上に降りました。: A helicopter landed on the top of the mountain.
オーバーはハンガーに掛けて下さい。: Please hang your overcoat on the hanger.
そんな所に立っていると危ないですよ。: It's dangerous to keep standing in such a place.

Notes

【Related Expressions】

I. に4 should not be confused with で1, a particle that indicates a location in which some action takes place. (⇨ で1) Consider the difference in meaning between [1a] and [1b]:

[1]

a. 道に絵を描いた。
I drew a picture on the street.

b. 道で絵を描いた。
I drew a picture in the street.

II. に4 should not be confused with に6, a particle that indicates the location where someone or something exists. (⇨ に6) Examples:

[2]

a. その寺は京都にある。
That temple is in Kyoto.

b. 私は部屋にいた。
I was in the room.