Usage of Wa Particle

 

When the following meanings occur, wa particle replaces ga or o particle.

wa overrules ga and o particles.

 

 

  1. Wa is used when something is introduced as a topic (and it appears at the beginning of sentences)
  2. Wa is used in negative sentences
  3. Wa is used when contrasting/comparing
  4. Wa cannot be used with question words such dare (who) and nani (what).  Also the answer to such questions, Wa particle cannot be used since Wa particle is used for known/familiar information to the listener.

1. Wa is used when something is introduced as a topic (and it appears at the beginning of sentences)

 

Kyoo wa watashi no tanjoobi desu. 

Speaking of Today, it is my birthday = Today is my birthday.

Watashi no tanjoobi wa  kyoo desu.

Speaking of my birthday, it is today = My birthday is today.

 

 

2. Wa particle is used in negative sentences.

Sarada wa tabemasen. (I) do not eat salad.  (wa particle replaces o particle)

Watashi wa yakyuu wa shimasen.  I do not play baseball.  .  (wa particle replaces o particle)

(The first wa indicates “topic” of the sentence.)

 

3. Wa particle is used when contrasting/comparing

 

 Kyoo wa ikimasu. Demo, ashita wa ikimasen.

Today (I) will go, but tomorrow (I) will not go.

This sentence compares/contrast “today” and "tomorrow.”  Usually a particle is NOT used with a relative time but wa particle should be used in this contrasting/comparing case.

 

Tanaka-san wa tabemasu. Demo Gozira-san wa tabemasen.  . 

Tanaka-san eats (something) but Gozilla-san does not eat (something).

This sentence compares/contrast “Tanaka-san” and  ”Gozira-san.” 

(wa particle replaces ga (action doer) particle)

 

Tanaka-san wa yasai o tabemasu. Demo niku wa tabemasen. . 

Tanaka-san eats vegetables but does not eat meat.

This sentence compares/contrast “vegetable” and  ”meat.” 

(wa particle replaces o (action receiver) particle)

 

 

 

4. Wa particle cannot be used with question words such as dare (who) and nani (what).  Also the answer to such questions, Wa particle cannot be used since Wa particle is used for known/familiar information to the listener*.

 

Q:  Dare ga kimasu ka.

Answer: Tanaka-san ga kimasu. 

(The information “Tanaka-san” is new to the listener.  The listener may already know Tanaka-san but “Tanaka-san is coming” is new information to the listener.”)

 

Q:  Dare ga kimasu ka.

Answer: Tanaka-san wa kimasu.  Demo, Gozira-san wa kimasen.  In this sentence, comparing/contrasting occur so wa particle should be used even if the information is new to the listener. 

 

 

 *  (This is a bit more advanced level so this will not be tested at JPN 101 level but for your information.)
 If the anwer to ,for example, who and what include the meaning of "at least" or "specifically talking about..., Wa particle can be used even of the information is NOT  known/familiar information to the listener. 

Q:  Dare ga kimasu ka.

Answer: Tanaka-san Wa kimasu. 

(The answer implies: At least) Tanaka-san is coming.” or (I know that) Tanaka-san (at least) is coming (but I do not know who else is coming.)”