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 👩🏻‍🏫