I notice that in conversation lesson 2.1, the first sentence says "Kyoto-eki wa douyatte iki mas ka?" But in grammar lesson 2.6, the same sentence is rendered as "Kyoto-eki ni wa douyatte iki mas ka?" The translation is the same, so what is the function of that extra "ni" and why is it missing from lesson 2.1?
Kyoto-eki ni wa

Maggie-J
October 5, 2011

Pascal-P
October 12, 2011
Sorry for the late reply.
"Wa" can be combined with other particles, such as "ni", indicating direction, "de" indicating location and "kara" to indicate a contrast. (one of the main functions of wa in general).
For example: Tabako wo sutte mo ii desu. : It's okay to smoke.
but: KOKO DE WA tabako wo sutte mo ii ja/dewa nai desu. HERE (the contrast) it's not okay to smoke.
Hope this helps. Just let me know if you need more explanations.

Robin88
October 12, 2011
Pascal P
shouldnt this sentence:
KOKO DE WA tabako wo sutte mo ii ja/dewa nai desu
be like this:
KOKO DE WA tabako wo sutte Wa ikemasen

Pascal-P
October 12, 2011
IIRC, both are acceptable. The "ii ja nai" means more specifically "can not do sth", as in not having permission.