Meaning & usage
は marks the topic, the thing the rest of the sentence describes or asks about. It is often translated as as for or regarding, and it sets up a contrast with other possible topics. It follows nouns, time expressions, and nominalized clauses such as こと or の, and it is written は but pronounced wa. Do not confuse it with が, which marks the subject of a specific action or state rather than the overall topic.
Example sentences 7
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パーティーはいつやるの？
When will the party take place?
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この山の高さはどのくらいですか。
What is the height of this mountain?
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テニスをすることはやさしい。
It is easy to play tennis.
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ホテルはどこですか。
Where is the hotel?
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あなたたちは学生ですか。
Are you students?
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ハンガリーに行ったことはないよ。
I've never been to Hungary.
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コニャックは飲まないんだ。
I don't drink cognac.
In past JLPT papers
This came up in 13 past exam questions.
And 8 more tests.
