が
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.