は
Meanings
- As for... (highlights sentence topic)
- Topic marker used to indicate what the sentence is about
- Marks the topic of the sentence, sometimes with contrast
About this pattern
Explanation
は is the topic marker. It introduces what the sentence is about and sets the context or theme. It often has a neutral or contrastive nuance: the part before は is the topic, not necessarily the subject performing the action. In everyday speech, it’s used to shift focus to a subject you’re talking about, compare with other topics, or present a general comment about that topic. Unlike subject markers, は emphasizes topic relevance and often signals what comes next is about that topic.
Learn in context
Example sentences
As for me, I am a student.
As for Japanese, it’s difficult.
As for this book, it's expensive, isn't it?
As for the weather, it’s nice.
As for sports, I like them.
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More N5 patterns
to be; is; equals; identifies as
View detailsto be; is; am; used to state something politely
View detailsalso; too; as well; even; either; neither
View detailsthis (near the speaker); this thing; this one
View detailsthat; that thing (near the listener); the thing referred to earlier
View detailsthat (over there); that thing over there; that one over there
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