1.
topic marker
Marks the topic of a sentence—what the sentence is about. The topic is often (but not always) the grammatical subject. は sets up what the speaker wants to comment on, and the rest of the sentence provides information about that topic.
2.
contrast marker
Indicates contrast with something else, either stated or implied. When は is used on an element that would normally take a different particle (like を or に), it often adds a contrastive nuance: 'as for X (as opposed to something else)...'
は is pronounced "wa" when it functions as a particle, never "ha." It marks the topic of a sentence—what the rest of the sentence comments on.
Functions
- Topic marker: presents what the sentence is about; the comment follows. The topic is often, but not always, the grammatical subject (sense 1).
- Contrast marker: when は replaces を or に, or is added to another element, it implies a contrast—"as for X (but not Y)" (sense 2).
Similar words
- は vs. が: は marks OLD/known information (the topic); が marks NEW information or identifies the subject. "Who/what" questions are answered with が; yes/no questions about a known person use は. Subordinate and relative clauses take が, not は.
Watch out
- Do not use は after a question word: 誰が来ましたか (NOT 誰は…).
- Do not use は for newly noticed things; use が: 窓から鳥が見えます (NOT 鳥は…).
Common patterns
Related Words
Compare:
が (subject marker)