ポイント1: Information Focus (は vs. が)
• Before the important information: ～は
• After the important information: ～が
Note: A question word is the important information being requested. The answer usually follows the same particle pattern as the question.
ポイント2: Uses of 「は」 (Part 1)
Note (emphasis/negation): Use 「は」 to emphasize a negative statement.
• It can replace ordinary particles such as を and が.
• It can combine with other particles: とは、には、へは、では、からは...
ポイント2: Uses of 「は」 (Part 2)
Used to compare two or more things and show a difference or contrast; the two sides are often balanced.
Particle use:
• Replaces ordinary particles such as を and が.
• Combines with other particles such as とは、には、へは、では...
ポイント3: Uses of 「が」 (Part 1)
Use が when directly describing something you see or hear.
ポイント3: Uses of 「が」 (Part 1)
• The topic or subject of the main clause is often marked by は.
• The subject of a subordinate clause (従属節の主語) is often marked by が.
Note: This is a basic tendency, not an absolute rule. Identify the main and subordinate clauses carefully; a subordinate clause may modify a noun or express time, condition, or hypothesis.
ポイント3: Uses of 「が」 (Part 2)
Describes a characteristic or attribute of something.
• N1 (Topic): 話題のもの
• N2: A part, feeling, ability, possession, etc. belonging to N1.
Summary of 「が」: used for states/ability, feelings, ability/capacity, and subjects in subordinate clauses.
