Search pages and navigate
Topic marker
Definition
The topic marker は is used to indicate the main topic or subject of a sentence. It is often used to contrast with the subject marker が, which marks new or emphasized information. は is typically used for known or contextual information, and it can help to create a sense of familiarity or shared knowledge between the speaker and the listener. For example, in the sentence "この本はおもしろいです", は is used to indicate that the book is the main topic of the conversation, and the speaker is sharing their opinion about it.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | Noun + は | 学生は勉強しています |
| Verb | Verb + は | 食べるは好きです |
| Adjective | Adjective + は | この本はおもしろいです |
Examples
私は学生です。
Watashi wa gakusei desu.
I am a student.
私 (I) は (topic marker) 学生 (student) です (am)
この本はおもしろいです。
Kono hon wa omoshiroi desu.
This book is interesting.
この本 (this book) は (topic marker) おもしろい (interesting) です (is)
日本語は難しいですが、楽しいです。
Nihongo wa muzukashii desu ga, tanoshii desu.
Japanese is difficult, but it's fun.
日本語 (Japanese) は (topic marker) 難しい (difficult) ですが (but) 楽しい (fun) です (is)
彼女は優しいです。
Kanojo wa yasashii desu.
She is kind.
彼女 (she) は (topic marker) 優しい (kind) です (is)
Context
The topic marker は is typically used in informal speech and writing. It is often used to create a sense of familiarity or shared knowledge between the speaker and the listener. However, it can also be used to contrast with the subject marker が, which marks new or emphasized information. For example, in the sentence "この本はおもしろいです", は is used to indicate that the book is the main topic of the conversation, and the speaker is sharing their opinion about it.
Watch out
The subject marker が is used to mark new or emphasized information, whereas は is used for known or contextual information. For example, in the sentence "この本はおもしろいです", は is used to indicate that the book is the main topic of the conversation, whereas が would be used if the speaker was emphasizing the book's interestingness.
While は is often used for known or contextual information, it can also be used to create a sense of familiarity or shared knowledge between the speaker and the listener. However, if the speaker wants to emphasize or highlight new information, they should use が instead.
The topic marker は is typically used for known or contextual information. If the speaker is discussing unknown or new information, they should use が instead.
Strategy
In the JLPT N5 exam, the topic marker は is often tested in combination with other grammar patterns, such as the subject marker が and the particle を. Be sure to practice using は in different contexts and with different sentence structures to improve your skills.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N5 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 〜は used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
私は学生です。
Pattern used: は
は marks 私 as the topic. This is a basic self-introduction where the topic is established.
この本はおもしろいです。
Pattern used: は
は marks この本 as the topic being commented on. The speaker is making a general statement about the book.
日本語は難しいですが、楽しいです。
Pattern used: は
は sets 日本語 as the topic for the contrasting statement (difficult but fun). The contrastive は is natural here.
Interactive
私______学生です。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.