は: topic particle is a JLPT N5 grammar point. Marks what the sentence is about: “as for X…”. Structure: [Nom] は …. This page explains the construction, gives Japanese examples with furigana readings, and links to related grammar points at this level.
は: topic particle
Structure
[Nom] は …
Explanation
は (pronounced “wa”) marks the topic: the thing you are talking about, often “as for…”. The topic is known information; the new information comes after it. Don't confuse it with が, which introduces or emphasises the subject.
Examples
わたしは 学生です。
I am a student.
この本は おもしろいです。
This book is interesting.
Quiz preview
わたし＿＿がくせいです。
- は ✓
- を
- に
- へ
は marks the topic of the sentence: “As for me, I am a student.”
きょう＿＿ さむいですね。
- は ✓
- を
- へ
- の
は sets the topic being commented on: “As for today, it is cold.”
More N5 grammar points
の: possessive / linking particleを: object particleに: time / destination particleが: subject particleで: place of action / means〜たい: wanting to do〜てください: please do…あります / います: existence〜ましょう: let'sも (“also / too”)と (“and / with”)へ: direction particleか: question particleこれ・それ・あれ: this / that〜ないでください: please don't〜がすきです: to likeAのほうがBより: comparison