JLPT N5 grammar comparison
は (topic) vs が (subject)
By Nihongo PathUpdated
The difference
From the は (topic) lesson
が (subject): が marks the subject and often new information or the answer to "who / which". は marks what is already known and being talked about.
From the が (subject) lesson
は (topic): は marks what you are talking about (old information); が marks the subject and new information.
Side by side
は (topic)
wa (topic) · JLPT N5
- Meaning
- Marks the topic — "as for X". Pronounced わ.
- Formation
Noun + は + comment私は〜です ／ これは〜です ／ 今日は〜ですContrast: Aは〜が、Bは〜
私は日本人です。
わたしは にほんじんです。
I am Japanese.
明日は忙しいです。
あしたは いそがしいです。
Tomorrow (I) am busy.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between は (topic) and が (subject)?
が marks the subject and often new information or the answer to "who / which". は marks what is already known and being talked about.
When do you use が (subject) instead of は (topic)?
は marks what you are talking about (old information); が marks the subject and new information.