は and が are the two particles that confuse English speakers the most. This guide focuses on the mistakes — the exact wrong moves learners make — and how to fix each one.
| Mistake | Wrong | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using は for new info | 猫はいます。(introducing a cat) | 猫がいます。 | が introduces new/unknown info |
| Using が for topics | が好きです alone | 〜は好きです | は marks the topic of discussion |
| Dropping は in writing | ケーキ美味しかった。 | ケーキはおいしかった。 | は needed as topic marker in sentences |
| Using は for contrast unintentionally | 私は行きます (neutral) | 私は行きます (implies: but others won’t) | は carries contrast nuance |
Mistake 1: Using は to Introduce New Information
Yuka「猫はいます」は変！猫が初登場なら「が」を使うよ。
(「猫はいます」sounds odd! For a cat’s first appearance, use が.)
Reiあ、そうか。「が」は新情報のサインだね。
(Ah right. が signals new information.)
Rule: が = new information (the listener doesn’t know this yet). は = known topic (both speakers already know what we’re talking about).
| Situation | Particle | Example |
|---|---|---|
| First mention of subject | が | あ、猫がいる！(Oh, there’s a cat!) |
| Known topic continues | は | 猫はかわいいね。(The cat is cute, isn’t it.) |
| Answer to 誰が question | が | 私が行きます。(I will go.) |
| Answer to 〜はどうですか | は | 天気はいいです。(The weather is nice.) |
Mistake 2: Using が for Permanent Preferences
Yuka「好き」「嫌い」「上手」には「が」を使うよ。でもトピックは「は」！
(Use が with 好き/嫌い/上手. But the topic is は!)
Rei「私はすしが好きです」— はとが両方使う！
(「私はすしが好きです」— both は and が appear!)
The pattern は … が + 感情/能力 is standard: 私は日本語が好きです。The topic is marked with は; the object of emotion/ability takes が.
Mistake 3: は for Unintended Contrast
は creates contrast in Japanese. Saying 「私は行きます」implies others are NOT going. Use が for neutral new-information statements.
| Sentence | Implication |
|---|---|
| 私は行きます。 | I will go (but others won’t / unlike others) |
| 私が行きます。 | I am the one going (new info, answers 誰が?) |
| 今日は寒いですね。 | As for today, it’s cold (topic = today) |
Mistake 4: Dropping は Entirely
Yuka「ご飯食べた？」はOKだよ。でも書き言葉では省略しない方がいい。
(「ご飯食べた？」is fine in speech. But in writing, don’t omit.)
In spoken Japanese, は is frequently dropped in casual speech. In writing and for JLPT, always include は when it marks the sentence topic.
Quick Quiz
1. A dog runs in. You say: _____ 犬が/は 来た！
→ 犬が (first mention, new info)
2. You love sushi: 私 _____ 寿司 _____ 好きです。
→ は / が
3. Answer to 「誰が来ましたか」: 田中さん _____ 来ました。
→ が
Made this mistake before? Tell us in the comments — it helps other learners know they’re not alone! 💬
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