JLPT N4 Grammar – Usage of “Particle + は”
Table of Contents
1. Usage of “Particle + は”
2. The Fundamental Roles of “は”
3. Particle + は
4. Particles That Connect with “は”
5. Let’s Compare
6. Summary
7. Quiz
8. Similar Articles
9. Comment
Q: I saw the sentence “バスでは電話してはいけません。” (You must not make phone calls on the bus). Why doesn’t it use “バスで”? Can you explain the difference between “で” and “では”?
A: When particles like “で,” “に,” and “と” are combined with the topic marker “は,” they emphasize or contrast the subject.
The Fundamental Roles of “は”
①Topic Marker
“は” is a particle used to indicate the topic of a sentence, limiting the scope (or subject) of discussion and providing an explanation about it.
[Examples]
わたしは鈴木花子です。
I am Hanako Suzuki.
このおかしはおいしいです。
This snack is delicious.
②Contrast
Another key role of “は” is to indicate contrast. It is used to compare two or more things, emphasizing their differences.
[Examples]
パンは好きだけど、めんは好きじゃありません。
I like bread, but I don’t like noodles.
田中さんは来るけど、鈴木さんは来ないそうです。
It seems that Mr. Tanaka will come, but Mr. Suzuki will not.
This time, the focus is on how “は” is used to emphasize contrast in sentences.
Particle + は
When the particle “は” is added to another particle, it creates an expression of contrast. This emphasizes the idea of “different from others” or a sense of uniqueness.
[Examples]
このスーパーには外国のおかしが売っています。
This supermarket sells foreign snacks.
⇒ “このスーパー” distinguishes this supermarket from others, emphasizing its unique characteristic of selling foreign snacks.
A「ここでは電話しないでください」
B「じゃあ、他の場所ではいいですか」
A: “Please don’t make phone calls here.”
B: “Then, is it okay in other places?”
⇒ In A, “ここでは” points to a specific location, emphasizing that making phone calls is prohibited there. In B, “ここ” is contrasted with “other places,” as the speaker seeks confirmation about whether it is allowed elsewhere.
Particles That Connect with “は”
The particles that can connect with “は” are as follows:
[に + は]
It specifies and emphasizes a place, target, or time.
[Examples]
ここにはありませんよ。
It’s not here.
8時には着くと思います。
I think I’ll arrive at 8 o’clock.
[で + は]
It specifies and emphasizes the place or method where an action is performed.
[Examples]
日本では家に入るときにくつを脱ぎます。
In Japan, people take off their shoes when entering a house.
ここでは飲食をしないでください。
Please do not eat or drink here.
[と + は]
It indicates and emphasizes the partner with whom an action is performed or the object of comparison.
[Examples]
彼とは長い付き合いです。
I have known him for a long time.
このテレビはパソコンとは接続できません。
This TV cannot be connected to a computer.
[へ + は]
It specifies and emphasizes the direction or destination.
[Examples]
東京へはもう行きません。
I won’t go to Tokyo anymore.
病院へは行きましたか？
Did you go to the hospital?
[の + は]
It is used to emphasize nominalized actions or states, or specific things, as the topic.
[Examples]
勉強するのは楽しいです。
Studying is fun.
ジョンさんのはどれですか？
Which one is John’s?
[から + は]
It specifies and emphasizes the starting point or origin.
[Examples]
ここからは山が見えます。
You can see the mountains from here.
大阪からは2時間ほどかかります。
It takes about two hours from Osaka.
[まで + は]
It specifies and emphasizes the range or endpoint.
[Examples]
駅までは10分ほどです。
It’s about a 10-minute walk to the station.
30ページまでは読みました。
I read up to page 30.
[より + は]
It emphasizes comparisons.
[Examples]
今日は昨日よりは暖かいです。
It’s warmer today than it was yesterday.
田中さんよりは早く着きました。
I arrived earlier than Tanaka-san.
Let’s Compare
What is the nuance difference in the following cases?
[例]
バスで電話してはいけません。
VS
バスでは電話してはいけません。
“バスで” simply indicates the location, referring to a general situation where phone calls are prohibited.
In contrast, “バスでは” emphasizes the rule specifically within the environment of the bus.
Let’s try another challenge. Which option do you think is more appropriate in the following case?
[例]
図書館では静かにしてください。
VS
図書館で静かにしてください。
The correct answer is “図書館では”.
Since libraries are places where being quiet is considered an important rule, using “では” emphasizes this special characteristic.
On the other hand, “図書館で静かにしてください” merely indicates the location without emphasizing the rule.
Summary
- When a particle + “は” is used, “は” serves a contrasting role.
- Particles that can connect with “は” include “に・で・と・へ・の・から・まで・より.”
Quiz
Select the appropriate particle for the following sentences.
Click on the question to reveal the answer.
A. で
毎日、家で料理します。
I cook at home every day.
*”で” is correct because it simply indicates the place where the action occurs.
A. では/では
家では音楽を聴きますが、外では聴ません。
I listen to music at home, but I don’t listen to it outside.
*”では” is correct because it contrasts “at home” with “outside.”
A. で
よく公園で遊びます。
I often play in the park.
*”で” is appropriate here as it indicates the place where the action occurs, without needing contrast or emphasis.
A. では
スマホは使わないようにしてください。特にこの部屋では使わないでくださいね。
Please avoid using your smartphone. Especially, don’t use it in this room.
*Since “especially” is used, “では” is more suitable as it emphasizes the prohibition in that specific location.
Similar Articles
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the usage of Japanese particles,
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