JLPT Level: N5
Meanings

Subject marking particle

Identification/attributive marking in some contexts (as in 'X is Y')

Usage

Noun + が

Verb (dictionary form) + が

いAdjective + が

なAdjective + な + が

Question with が (誰が、何が)

Explanation
The particle が marks the subject of a sentence or clause. It highlights the thing or person performing the action or the thing existing, and is often used when introducing new information, contrasting with は which topics or themes. It can also be used in identification contexts, especially in sentences like 'X is Y' where が marks the subject and です or だ asserts the identification. In questions, が often appears in interrogative structures to identify the subject.
猫がいます。
ねこがいます。

There is a cat.

誰が来ますか。
だれがきますか。

Who will come?

私が学生です。
わたしががくせいです。

I am the student.

日が昇ります。
ひがのぼります。

The sun rises.

彼が先生です。
かれがせんせいです。

He is the teacher.