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JLPT N5Grammar
は (wa)

topic marker

Beginner
15-20 min
very common
Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Marks the topic of the sentence - what the sentence is about.

Formation

[Topic] + は + [Comment]

Examples

私は田中です。

Watashi wa Tanaka desu.

I am Tanaka. (As for me, I am Tanaka)

日本は美しいです。

Nihon wa utsukushii desu.

Japan is beautiful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

は is pronounced "wa" not "ha" when used as a particle.

Related Grammar

Study Tips

Practice Tips

Practice describing things around you using は. "このペンは青いです" (This pen is blue).

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated:

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