は
Topic Marker
wa
TypeFocus
JLPT Leveln5
Summary
Marks the topic of the sentence — what is being talked about. Also used for contrast between two items.
Usage Rules
- •Marks the topic of the sentence
- •Pronounced 'wa' despite being written は
- •Can replace が, を, or be added after に, で, へ, と
- •Used for contrast: Aは...Bは...
- •Cannot be used in embedded questions
- •Often used with が in は〜が constructions
Example Sentences
わたしは学生です。
I am a student.
今日は天気がいいです。
As for today, the weather is good.
いぬはすきですが、ねこはきらいです。
I like dogs, but I dislike cats.
日本語はむずかしいですか？
Is Japanese difficult?
ここには人がおおい。
Here, there are many people.
Common Mistake
Using は with question words (誰は来ますか — must use が with question words).