JLPT N5
は
Topic marker
Structure
Noun は
How it works
The particle 'は' (pronounced 'wa') identifies the main topic of a sentence—what you are talking about. It is placed immediately after the noun it marks, setting the stage for the statement that follows. In many cases, it functions like saying 'As for [Noun]...' in English.
Examples
私は学生です。
I am a student.
田中さんは親切です。
Mr. Tanaka is kind.
今日はあついです。
Today is hot.
Common mistakes
Confusing 'は' with 'が'; remember that 'は' focuses on what follows it (the description), while 'が' focuses on the subject itself.
Tip
Even though it is written with the hiragana 'ha' (は), it is always pronounced 'wa' when used as a topic marker.
More JLPT N5 grammar
See は in real Japanese
Import an article and tap any sentence using it. The explanation comes back about the sentence in front of you, not a textbook example.
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