JLPT N5 grammar comparison
が (subject) vs が (but)
By Nihongo PathUpdated
The difference
From the が (subject) lesson
が (but): A different が: after a clause it means "but".
From the が (but) lesson
が (subject): After a noun, が is the subject particle; after a clause, it is "but".
Side by side
が (subject)
ga (subject) · JLPT N5
- Meaning
- Marks the grammatical subject; identifies "which one"; used with question words, existence, likes/abilities, and descriptions.
- Formation
Question word + が (誰が、何が)Noun + が + あります／いますNoun + が + 好き／嫌い／上手／下手／分かる／できる／ほしい
誰が来ましたか。
だれが きましたか。
Who came?
猫がいます。
ねこが います。
There is a cat.
が (but)
ga (but) · JLPT N5
- Meaning
- "~, but ~" — joins two contrasting clauses; also a soft introduction ("~, and…").
- Formation
Clause 1 (polite or plain) + が、Clause 2
日本語は難しいですが、面白いです。
にほんごは むずかしいですが、おもしろいです。
Japanese is difficult, but it's interesting.
昨日デパートへ行きましたが、何も買いませんでした。
きのう デパートへ いきましたが、なにも かいませんでした。
I went to the department store yesterday, but I didn't buy anything.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between が (subject) and が (but)?
A different が: after a clause it means "but".
When do you use が (but) instead of が (subject)?
After a noun, が is the subject particle; after a clause, it is "but".