はTopic marker / contrast
は marks the TOPIC: what you are talking about. It sets the frame for the sentence: “As for X…”. It often gives a general statement or contrast. は does not always mean “subject”; it’s more about the theme/topic. When you introduce brand‑new information (who/what), が is often more natural; は is great when the topic is already known or when you want to contrast.
Key points
Quick reminders for how to use it.
- Use は to say “As for X…” (topic).
- Good for general facts, descriptions, habits, and contrast.
- は can imply contrast: “X is…, but (other things) are not / different.”
- Pronunciation: written は but pronounced wa when used as a particle.
Patterns
Common structures you’ll see.
〜は 〜です。
~ wa ~ desu.
As for ~, it is ~.
Note: Basic topic statement.
〜は 〜じゃありません。
~ wa ~ ja arimasen.
As for ~, it is not ~.
Note: Often implies contrast: “(but something else is).”
〜は 〜が すきです。
~ wa ~ ga suki desu.
As for ~, (I) like ~.
Note: Topic + subject inside the topic sentence.
きょうは 〜です。
kyou wa ~ desu.
As for today, it is ~.
〜は 〜ですか。
~ wa ~ desu ka?
As for ~, is it ~?
Common mistakes
Watch out for these.
- ×Using は when you are answering “who/what is it?” for new information (が is often better).
- ×Thinking は always equals “subject”. It’s often the topic, not necessarily the grammatical subject.
- ×Forgetting that particle は is pronounced wa.
Examples
Real sentences with notes.
わたしは がくせいです。
watashi wa gakusei desu.
I am a student.
👉 Sets the topic “I” and gives a simple fact about it.
たなかさんは せんせいです。
tanaka-san wa sensei desu.
Mr./Ms. Tanaka is a teacher.
👉 Talking about Tanaka (topic) and describing them.
きょうは あついです。
kyou wa atsui desu.
Today is hot.
👉 Topic is “today”. Often contrasts with other days implicitly.
このほんは おもしろいです。
kono hon wa omoshiroi desu.
This book is interesting.
👉 Topic “this book” → description.
さかなは たべません。
sakana wa tabemasen.
I don’t eat fish.
👉 Often implies contrast: maybe you eat meat, but not fish.
わたしは にほんごは すこし はなせます。
watashi wa nihongo wa sukoshi hanasemasu.
I can speak a little Japanese.
👉 Double topic: “As for me… as for Japanese…”. Common beginner pattern.
たなかさんは がくせいですか。
tanaka-san wa gakusei desu ka?
Is Tanaka a student?
👉 Question about a topic you’re focusing on.
Compare with
Related particles to review next.