Japanese grammar · ≈ JLPT N4 · Beginner 2
〜た〜は~ta ~wa
noun modifier as topic
Use a plain-form verb before a noun to say which one you mean, then make the whole phrase the topic with は.
How it works
Look at the picture: is the comment about the person or the photo? First identify the photo, then say it is beautiful.
「彼が撮った」 tells us which photo it is. Put this modifier before 「写真」.
Treat the modifier and noun as one unit. Add 「は」 after the whole phrase, then say something about it.
Use the plain form of the verb before a noun: 「撮った写真」. Do not say 「撮りました写真」.
「彼が」 identifies who took the photo. 「写真は」 introduces the photo as the topic; the comment that follows is about the photo.
「昨日会った人」 means the person someone met yesterday. The context tells us who met that person.
「会った」 tells us when the meeting happened. 「親切でした」 gives the impression of that person at the time.
Example sentences
- 彼kareがga撮ったtotta写真shashinはwaきれいです。kireidesu
The photo he took is beautiful.
- 昨日kinou会った
In a conversation
- Aその地図はどこで買いましたか。
A: Where did you buy that map?
- B友達が選んだ地図です。
B: It's the map a friend chose.
Check yourself
Level 1 · Recognise
Which sentence is correct?
Level 1 · Recognise
Listen and choose the meaning
Level 2 · Build
Put the words in order
The map I selected is accurate.
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
私が 本は面白いです。
The book I bought is interesting.
More grammar in this theme
- 〜た〜はnoun modifier as topic