JLPT N5 Grammar – 2 Uses of the Particle “が”
Table of Contents
1. 2 Uses of the Particle “が”
2. N1はN2がAdjectiveです
3. Two Uses of “が”
4. Summary
5. Similar Articles
6. Comment
Q: What is the difference between “あの車は形がいい” and “あの車の形がいい”?
A: They look very similar at first glance, but the usage of the particles “は” and “が” is different.
In this article, we will use the pattern “N1はN2がAdjectiveです” to explain the meanings and functions of “が.”
For other particles, see here:
N1はN2がAdjectiveです
This pattern is used to express that N1 is the topic and N2 shows a state or characteristic.
[Examples]
| Topic | State / Characteristic | Adjective |
|---|---|---|
| あの車は | 形が | いい です。 |
| ぞうは | はなが | 長い です。 |
| 山田さん | かみが | 黒い です。 |
In this pattern, “は” indicates the topic, and “が” explains the state or characteristic.
Two Uses of “が”
The particle “が” has two main uses.
① Phenomenon sentences
– used to express what the speaker directly sees or feels.
For example, when the speaker is at a car shop looking at cars, the salesperson asks, “What kind of car shape do you like?”
The speaker looks at various cars, finds one they like, and says, “あの車の形がいいです.”
In this case, the speaker is simply expressing what they feel or notice at that moment.
[Examples]
（お店で車を見て）あの車の形がいいです。
(At the car shop) That car’s shape looks nice.
⇒ The speaker looked at many cars and simply said what they thought: “Oh, this one is nice.”
(At the car shop) That car’s shape looks nice.
（新幹線から）富士山がきれいだよ！
(From the Shinkansen) Mount Fuji looks beautiful!
（外を見て）まだ昼なのに空がくらいね。
(Looking outside) It’s still daytime, but the sky is dark.
*In this case, “が” is used when the speaker directly expresses something they have seen or felt.
② Exclusive sentence
– expressing that something is the best or stands out among others
For example, when the speaker is at a car shop looking at cars, the salesperson asks, “Which car shape do you like?”
The speaker compares several cars, finds the one with the best shape, and says, “あの車の形がいいです.”
This means that among all the cars, that car is the best.
In other words, “が” is used to choose or emphasize just one thing from among many.
[Examples]
あの車の形がいいです。
That car’s shape looks nice.
⇒ Among many cars, it means “That car is the best.”
さくら屋のすしがおいしいんですよ。
The sushi at Sakuraya is especially delicious.
⇒ It means “Not the sushi from other shops, but the sushi from Sakuraya is especially good.”
こちらがお客様のお部屋です。
This is the guest’s room.
⇒ It means “Not another room, but this one is the guest’s room.”
* “が” is also used when emphasizing one specific thing while excluding others.
Summary
- In the sentence pattern “N1はN2がAdjectiveです,” N1 indicates the topic (what the sentence is about), and N2 expresses its quality or state.
- There are mainly two ways to use “が”:
① Phenomenon sentence – describes what is seen or felt as it is.
② Exclusive sentence – emphasizes only one thing while excluding others. - The choice of particles can greatly change the meaning and nuance of a sentence.
- When choosing between “が” and “は,” it’s important to consider what the speaker wants to express—whether it’s a discovery or an emphasis.
If you want to learn more about other particles,
this book is recommended.
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