Thumbnail Image

Do you know the difference between “は” and “が”?

Mika. I

Hi, I'm Mika:)
みなさん、こんにちは! 日本語講師のMikaです!

Today, I would like to introduce the difference between the particles “
” and “, which is a question that many people studying Japanese often have.
Please note that even advanced Japanese learners find it difficult to use them correctly, so it is okay to learn them while continuing to study Japanese.

The main differences are as follows.
     は: Topic, Contrast
     が: New information 


■Examples


1. 好きな動物何ですか?(すきな どうぶつは なんですか?)
    What is your favorite animal?
      - 犬好きです(いぬが すきです)
         I like dog.
    ⇒ In this example conversation, "は" is used for "topic." 
        On the other hand, "が” is used for "new information."

2.  犬、好きですか?(いぬ、すきですか?)
   Do you like dogs?
     - 犬好きです(いぬは すきです)
       Yes, I like dogs.
  ⇒ 
In this example conversation, "犬(いぬ)" is the "topic." 

        That's why "は" is used as above.

3. 犬、好きですか?(いぬ、すきですか?)
     Do you like dogs?
    - いいえ。猫好きですが、犬好きじゃないです。(いいえ。ねこは すきですが、いぬは すきじゃないです。)
      No. I like cats, but I don't like dogs.
    ⇒ In this example conversation, the contrast between "犬(いぬ)" and "猫(ねこ)" is emphasized.
   That's why "は" is used as above.
         

There are also slightly more complicated rules, but I think you can broadly distinguish them as above.
I hope this explanation was helpful:)


Do you want to study in more detail?
Let's study together in my “Q & A session: Japanese Grammar” lesson!


I look forward to studying with you!

Mika



Added to Saved

This column was published by the author in their personal capacity.
The opinions expressed in this column are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Cafetalk.

Lesson

Comments (0)

Login to Comment Log in »
Recommend ribbon

from:

in:

Lesson Categories

Language Fluency

Japanese   Native
English   Proficient

Mika. I's Most Popular Columns

  • ★感謝★日本語 新着講師ランキング 2位になりました!

    みなさん、こんにちは!日本語講師のMikaです!うれしいお知らせです!今日発表された【日本語 新着講師ランキング】で、2位に選ばれました!わたしのレッスンを受けていただいた方々、ありがとうございます...

    Mika. I

    Mika. I

    0
    1313
    Aug 2, 2024
  • First column in English: Nice to meet you!

    Hi, it's Mika from Cafetalk :) I am a certified Japanese teacher and started teaching Japanese on C...

    Mika. I

    Mika. I

    0
    1298
    Aug 6, 2024
  • たくさん歩いて、家にカエル

    みなさん、こんにちは!日本語講師(にほんごこうし)のMikaです♪先日のコラムで、わたしは、「健康(けんこう)のために1日(いちにち)6,000歩(ぽ)は歩くようにしている」と書きました。今日(7/...

    Mika. I

    Mika. I

    0
    1164
    Jul 19, 2024
  • 健康のためにやっていること

    こんにちは、日本語講師のMika です。今日は、わたしが健康のために続けていることを共有します!  デデン! 『1日、最低6,000歩は歩くこと!』少ないですか?多いですか?本当はもっと歩きたいんで...

    Mika. I

    Mika. I

    0
    1046
    Jul 18, 2024
« Back to List of Tutor's Column
Got a question? Click to Chat