Lesson notes · ≈ 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.


