Meaning
In Japanese sentences with two clauses, the dependent clause (the subordinate part) uses the particle が to mark its subject, while the main clause typically uses は. This pattern appears in structures like ~とき (when), ~てから (after), ~まえに (before), and ~ても (even if). The particle が is preferred in dependent clauses because it emphasizes the subject of that specific clause rather than making a general statement.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 附属句主语 | 附属句中的主语用助词「が」标记（而非「は」） |
| 主句主语 | 主句中的主语用助词「は」标记 |
Examples
-
お金がなくても、幸せです。
Even if there is no money, I am happy. -
仕事が終わってから、ご飯を食べます。
After the work is finished, I will eat. -
雨が降ったら、ハイキングに行きません。
If it rains, I won't go hiking. -
体の調子が悪いとき、いつも沢山寝ています。
When my health is bad, I always sleep a lot.
Summary
- Use が to mark the subject in dependent clauses, not は
- This applies to structures like ~とき、~てから、~まえに、~ても
- The main clause subject may be omitted but would use は if expressed