1.
subject marker
Marks the grammatical subject of a sentence—who or what performs the action or is being described. Unlike は, が typically introduces new information or emphasizes the identity of the subject.
2.
object marker (with certain predicates)
With certain verbs and adjectives expressing ability, desire, or emotion (できる, 分かる, 好き, 欲しい, etc.), が marks what would be the object in English. 日本語が分かる (I understand Japanese), 猫が好き (I like cats).
3.
but, although (conjunction)
Connects two clauses with a contrastive or concessive meaning. Similar to 'but' or 'although' in English.
が has two distinct grammatical roles—a case particle marking the subject, and a conjunction meaning "but."
Functions
- Subject marker: identifies who or what performs the action or is described. が typically presents NEW information or singles out the subject (sense 1).
- Object marker with certain predicates: verbs and adjectives of ability, perception, desire, and emotion take が—not を—for what English treats as the object: できる, 分かる, 見える, 聞こえる, 好き, 嫌い, 欲しい, 上手, 下手, 得意, 苦手 (sense 2).
- Conjunction "but, although": joins two clauses with a contrastive or concessive meaning, like けど but more neutral and slightly more formal (sense 3).
Similar words
- が vs. は: が introduces NEW information or identifies the subject; は marks the TOPIC (already known). Use が after question words (誰が, 何が) and inside subordinate or relative clauses.
- が vs. を: with potential verbs both occur—が emphasizes ability (日本語が話せる), を emphasizes the action.
Watch out
- Do not use は after a question word: 誰が来ましたか (NOT 誰は…).
- Do not use を with 好き, 分かる, and similar predicates: 猫が好きです (NOT 猫を…).
Common patterns
Related Words
Compare:
は (topic marker)