When learning Japanese, many foreign learners struggle with the difference between “は” and “が”. While these two particles may seem similar, they serve different purposes in a sentence. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between “は” and “が” in a simple and easy-to-understand way, helping you to use them correctly in your conversations.
The Basic Roles of “は” and “が”
The Role of “は”: Marking the Topic
“は”, which exceptionally pronunce [wa], is used to mark the topic of a sentence. It shows what you’re talking about, and then provides information related to that topic. This particle is often used when the information is already known or when you’re introducing a main theme in a conversation.
- 私は学生です。[Watashi wa gakusei desu.]
Here, watashi “I” is the topic, and the sentence is giving information about that topic, saying “I am a student.”
- 私はりんごを食べる。[Watashi wa ringo wo taberu. ]
Watashi is the topic, and the sentence explains what “I” am doing, which is eating an apple. The focus isn’t on “me” as much as it is on the action.
The Role of “が”: Emphasising the Subject
“が” is used to mark the subject of a sentence and is often used when you want to emphasise who or what is performing an action. It’s commonly used when introducing new information or when you want to highlight the subject.
- 私が学生です。[Watashi ga gakusei desu].
This sentence emphasises that “I” am the student, not someone else. The focus is on who the student is.
- 私がりんごを食べる。[Watashi ga ringo o taberu].
Here, the sentence highlights that “I” am the one eating the apple. The focus is on “me” as the person performing the action, which differentiates this from others.
Key Points for Using “は” and “が”
New vs. Known Information
Use “が” for new information.
When introducing something new or emphasising the subject, use “が”.
- 猫が庭にいます。[Neko ga niwa ni imasu].
“There is a cat in the garden.” (Introducing new information).
Use “は” for known information.
When talking about something that has already been introduced or when you want to bring up a topic, use “は”.
- その猫は黒いです。[Sono neko wa kuroi desu].
“That cat is black.” (Talking about the previously mentioned cat).
Showing Contrast
“は” is also used to show contrast between two or more things.
- 私はコーヒーを飲みますが、彼は紅茶を飲みます。[Watashi wa kōhī wo nomimasu ga, kare wa kōcha wo nomimasu].
“I drink coffee, but he drinks tea.” (Contrasting the difference between my action and his action.)
In Questions
In questions, the choice of “は” or “が” depends on what you’re asking about.
- 田中さんは何をしますか？[Tanaka-san wa nani o shimasu ka?]
“What will Tanaka do?” (Asking about what Tanaka will do).
- 田中さんは勉強します。[Tanaka-san wa benkyō shimasu].
“Tanaka will study.” (Explaining what Tanaka will do.)
- 誰が来ますか？[Dare ga kimasu ka?]
“Who is coming?” (Asking about the subject).
- 田中さんが来ます。[Tanaka-san ga kimasu].
“Tanaka is coming” (emphasising “Tanaka” as the subject).
Understanding Through Examples
Example 1
- 雨は嫌いです。[Ame wa kirai desu].
“I don’t like the rain.” (Talking about the topic of rain).
- 雨が降っています。[Ame ga futte imasu].
“It’s raining.” (giving new information that the weather is “rainy”).
Example 2
- 彼はケーキが好きです。[Kare wa ke-ki ga suki desu].
“He likes cake.” (Talking about his preference).
- 私がケーキを作ります。[Watashi ga ke-ki o tsukurimasu].
“I will make the cake.” (Emphasising that “I” will be the one making the cake).
Example 3
- 先生は優しいです。[Sensei wa yasashii desu].
“The teacher is kind.” (Talking about the teacher’s characteristics).
- 先生が来ます。[Sensei ga kimasu].
“The teacher is coming.” (Emphasising that the teacher is the one coming).
The distinction between “は” and “が” can be tricky for Japanese learners, but by understanding their basic roles, you can start using them correctly. Keep practising, and soon these particles will become a natural part of your Japanese conversation!
