Acknowledgeing my Pain

Miles Morales headshot.

Particles が & は- a different perspective

Disclaimer*

I’m learning Japanese. Don’t take this as the ultimate guide to the Japanese particles!

I already made a post about these particles (here and here) long time ago, but it was at the begining of my journey with Japanese and I’m not sure if I knew what I was doing back then (it’s not like I know now tho lol)

Feel free to correct me!

Combination #1 (more to come!)

[known information]  は  [unknown  information]

To determine whether something is known or unknown, you need to closely analyze the context. Japanese is a highly contextual language and I often catch myself analyzing something without considering the context first. I hope that grammar rules will somehow explain everything to me. Analyzing the context also helps with reading comprehension. The use of a certain particle very often hinges on what was said before or is just known or unknown information by the character or you or your listener.

私はポーランド人です.

私は – known information

ポーランド人 – unknown information

Context:

I’m standing in front of you and I’m introducing myself. 私は is considered as known information because you can see me. You know exactly who is speaking. However, you know nothing about me. I’m giving the unknown information – ポーランド人です。

あなたは誰ですか？

Context:

You’re standing in front of me, so you’re known information to me. There is something about you that I don’t know, though. You’re providing me with the unknown information.