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UPDATE | May 01, 2022

How to use "ha" and "ga"

When and how should "ha" and "ga" be used? Are both the same? You may think, but if you make a mistake between "ha" and "ga", the meaning may change. In this column, I will introduce how to use "ha" and "ga" separately. In the second half, I will explain the difference in meaning when using "ha" and "ga" in the same sentence. I hope it will be a hint for your Japanese conversation.

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"When talking about the scenery and things you are looking at → Use" ga "

When I introduce what I'm seeing, what the scenery and people look like in a book, and when I explain what things look like, "ButIs used. For example, this is how it is used.


·birdButJumping

·flowerButIt's beautiful

·SeaButI can see

·Mr. YamadaButSitting

·cakeButRemaining

·ChildButlaughing

·smartphoneButBroken


When talking about physical condition, "ButIs used."Body parts +ButYou can tell by "+ physical condition / state". You can use it when you go to the hospital, so please remember it.


·HeadButOuch

·legsButI want to stuff

·handButDry

·eyeButHave been tired

·heatButThere seems to be

·backButitch


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How to use "ha" and "ga" when asking a question

When asking "about 〇〇", "IsIs used. "Noun +Is+ ~~? Is easy, so let's review it.


·Mr. TanakaIsDo you have

·toiletIsWhere?

·thisIsHow do you use it?

·dictionaryIsWhere is it?

·weekendIshow was it?

·schoolIsfun?


When the interrogative words "what", "who", "when", and "where" come immediately in front, "ButIs used.


whatButdo you have?

WhoButDid you come?

whenButIs that okay?

which oneButDo you like?


When comparing with other people / things → Use "ha"

Is"" Means "compare". "When you say information different from other people" such as your name, origin, age, etc. "When you have something to say in particular", "IsIs used.


·heIsTall (others are not taller than him)

·thisIs"Erasable pen" (other pens cannot be erased)

·Younger brotherIs19 years old (others may not be 19 years old)

・ Winter in JapanIsIt's cold. (Other countries may not be cold)

・ This Chinese characterIsDifficult (other Chinese characters may be easy)


"todayIsI praised him, "It's beautiful," but he said, "What? The other dayIsDoes that mean it's not pretty? "You might think that. Please be careful when complimenting someone (laughs)

同じ文で「は」と「が」の意味を比べてみましょう

From here, let's compare how to use "ha" and "ga". Let's see in the sentence below how the meaning changes when "ha" and "ga" are used in the same sentence.


① This mangaIsLike?

meaning:If you don't like the manga,How about another manga?

② This mangaButLike?

Meaning: You areYou seem to like this manga, right?


① This clothes, colorIsIt's good

Meaning: But design, price, etc.Other than the color, it's not very good ...

② This clothes, colorButIt's good

Meaning: This outfit,I especially like the color!or this outfit,It's my favorite color!


① IIsto go

meaning:I don't know if other people will go ...

② IButto go

Meaning: Others don't seem to go to that place.Then I should go!


① RamenIsI like it.

meaning:But I don't want to eat todayorI don't like this ramen

② RamenButI like it

meaning:Favorite food? It's ramen!orRamen is delicious, isn't it?

Finally ... a quiz of "ha" and "ga"!

Question 1: What does Mr. B want to say?


A: "I tried cooking, how about it?"

B: "Yeah, it smellsIsHow nice"


Question 2: What do Mr. A and Mr. C want to say?


A: Which cake would you like?

B: There are many. What should I do?

C: Oh, thisButgood!

A: IIs,ItIsIs that okay ~




Answer to question 1

Example: "SmellIsit's okay, but...AppearanceIsNot good / not delicious ...

→ SmellIsgood. But othersIsI don't think it's good.

* Because it is compared, "IsIs used


Answer to question 2

Mr. C:This cakeButwant to eat!

Mr. A:I don't want to eat this cake ...

→ Mr. A said, "IIs"It (the cake)IsGood (not needed) "

* Mr. A has a different opinion (compared) from Mr. C, so "IsIs used




If you had a difficult quiz, read this column again and read "Is"When"ButPlease review how to use. Please look forward to the next column!

The person who wrote this article

Shimizu Shiho

I teach Japanese at Japanese language schools and universities in Kyushu. I love games and manga. I also work as a coordinator and web writer to create a local Japanese language class for those who are studying Japanese.

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