The が (ga) particle is a fundamental part of Japanese grammar. It is commonly used to mark the subject of a sentence, express emphasis, introduce new information, and distinguish between two contrasting elements.
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Subject Marker
The が particle is used to indicate the subject of a sentence, particularly when describing states, abilities, preferences, or existence.
Structure:
[Subject] + が + [Verb / Adjective]Examples:
猫が好きです。
(Neko ga suki desu.)
I like cats. ("Cats" is the subject, and the verb expresses a state.)
日本語がわかります。
(Nihongo ga wakarimasu.)
I understand Japanese. ("Japanese" is the thing being understood, so it's the subject.)
先生が来ました。
(Sensei ga kimashita.)
The teacher came. (Emphasizing that the teacher was the one who came.)
彼がピアノを弾けます。
(Kare ga piano o hikemasu.)
He can play the piano. (Marking the subject with "が" to emphasize who has the ability.)
あそこに犬がいます。
(Asoko ni inu ga imasu.)
There is a dog over there. (Using "が" for existence of a new subject.)Note:
Key Difference from は (wa):
- が → Identifies the subject of the sentence as new information or something specific.
- は → Often contrasts or clarifies something already known.
Emphasizing a Specific Subject
The が particle can be used to emphasize who or what is the key point of the sentence.
Structure:
[Emphasized Subject] + が + [Predicate]Examples:
この店のカレーが美味しいです。
(Kono mise no karē ga oishii desu.)
The curry at this restaurant is delicious. (Emphasizing that the curry is what’s delicious, not other dishes.)
📖 この本が面白いです。
(Kono hon ga omoshiroi desu.)
This book is interesting. (Not just any book—this one specifically.)
👦 彼が試験に合格しました。
(Kare ga shiken ni gōkaku shimashita.)
He passed the exam. (Focusing on "him" as the one who passed.)Expressing Contrast
The が particle is often used to emphasize the subject or contrast it with another idea. In English, it is very similar to “but”.
Structure:
[Subject] + が + [Different Situation / Contrast]Examples:
私はコーヒーが好きですが、紅茶はあまり飲みません。
(Watashi wa kōhī ga suki desu ga, kōcha wa amari nomimasen.)
"I like coffee, but I don’t drink much tea." (Contrasting coffee and tea.)
天気はいいですが、風が強いです。
(Tenki wa ii desu ga, kaze ga tsuyoi desu.)
"The weather is nice, but the wind is strong." (Positive and negative contrast.)
新しい車が欲しいですが、お金がありません。
(Atarashii kuruma ga hoshii desu ga, okane ga arimasen.)
"I want a new car, but I don't have money."New Information or Questions
When introducing new information, が is used instead of は (wa) because it signals that something is unknown or newly presented.
Structure:
[New Information] + が + [Verb]Examples:
誰が来ましたか？
(Dare ga kimashita ka?)
"Who came?" (The question is asking for new information.)
外で音がしました。
(Soto de oto ga shimashita.)
"There was a noise outside." (Introducing the new detail that a noise was heard.)
あそこに犬がいます。
(Asoko ni inu ga imasu.)
"There is a dog over there." (The dog is being mentioned for the first time.)Note:
Difference from は (wa) in Questions:
- が is used when the subject is unknown (“Who came?”).
- は is used when the subject is already known (“As for the teacher, when did they come?”).
Connecting Clauses in Complex Sentences
The が particle is also used as a conjunction meaning “but” or “although.”
Structure:
[Clause A] + が + [Clause B]Examples:
彼は歌が上手ですが、ダンスは苦手です。
(Kare wa uta ga jōzu desu ga, dansu wa nigate desu.)
"He is good at singing, but bad at dancing."
疲れましたが、もう少し頑張ります。
(Tsukaremashita ga, mō sukoshi ganbarimasu.)
"I’m tired, but I’ll try a little more."Fixed Expressions
The が particle appears in many fixed expressions where it doesn’t strictly follow the above rules.
Common Expressions:
遠くに山が見えます。
(Tōku ni yama ga miemasu.)
"You can see mountains in the distance."
〜がする
(~ga suru)
"To feel/sense something"
頭が痛い
(Atama ga itai)
"I have a headache."
いい匂いがする
(Ii nioi ga suru)
"It smells good."
〜がほしい
(~ga hoshii)
"To want something"
新しいスマホがほしい。
(Atarashii sumaho ga hoshii.)
"I want a new smartphone."
〜が聞こえる / 見える
(~ga kikoeru / mieru)
"To be audible/visible"