は vs が: What’s the Difference Anyway?

If you’ve been learning Japanese for even a little while, you’ve probably bumped into this classic puzzle:
When do I use “は” (wa) and when do I use “が” (ga)? 🤔

They both mark the subject, right?
Well… yes and no! Let’s break it down, simply and clearly, no headaches, promise.

🈶 First, What Are Particles?

In Japanese, particles are tiny words that come after other words to show what role they play in a sentence.
Think of them like labels.

• は (wa) and が (ga) both help point out the subject, but they’re used a little differently depending on the situation.

🟡 は (wa) – The Topic Marker

This is the “topic” particle. It tells you what the sentence is about, what the speaker wants to talk about.

🗣️ Example:
わたしは学生です。
Watashi wa gakusei desu.
= As for me, I am a student.

Here, “watashi wa” sets the topic: “me.” The sentence is about me being a student.

💡 Use は when:

• You’re introducing a topic
• You’re comparing things
• You’re shifting the conversation

Think of it as saying “as for...” in English.

🔵 が (ga) – The Identifier Marker

This one points out or emphasizes the subject, especially when it's new or important information.

🗣️ Example:
だれが来ましたか？
Dare ga kimashita ka?
= Who came?

Answer:
田中さんが来ました。
Tanaka-san ga kimashita.
= Mr. Tanaka came.

Here, が is used to identify who came. It’s the new information the question asked for.

💡 Use が when:

• You’re answering “who/what” questions
• You’re introducing something for the first time
• You want to highlight or emphasize the subject

🗣️Comparison examples:

• ねこはかわいい。
  Neko wa kawaii.
  (As for cats, they are cute. General statement)
• あのねこがかわいい。
  Ano neko ga kawaii.
  (That cat is cute. Emphasis on that specific one)

🧘 Don’t Stress Too Much

Even native speakers sometimes switch them for nuance or emotion.
If you're unsure, start with は, it's safe for general use.

As you listen more, read more, and speak more, you’ll naturally feel the difference.
Learning a language is like learning a rhythm, you’ll get there!

Your Sensei,
Hikari 👩🏻‍🏫