Japanese grammar · ≈ JLPT N4 · Beginner 3
〜のは〜です~no wa ~desu
make an activity the topic
Use 「〜のは〜です」 to make an activity the topic, then describe or contrast how it is.
How it works
To say how cooking feels, use 「のは」 to make “cooking” the topic, then say what you think of it.
The same person enjoys cooking but struggles with getting up early. Each activity gets a different evaluation.
Attach it to the dictionary form of a verb: 話す→話すのは, 起きる→起きるのは.
「のは」 can also describe a single activity. You do not have to compare two activities.
「のが」 often directly expresses likes or abilities. 「のは」 first makes an activity the topic, then describes or contrasts it.
In the example, it is speaking Japanese that is “a bit difficult.” The sentence does not evaluate every aspect of Japanese.
In the example about getting up early, 「苦手」 means you are not good at it or find it hard. It does not mean you dislike getting up early.
Example sentences
- 日本nihon語goをo話すhanasuのnoはwa少しsukoshi難しいです。muzukashiidesu
Speaking Japanese is a bit difficult.
In a conversation
- A料理は好きですか。
A: Do you like cooking?
- Bはい、料理をするのは楽しいです。
B: Yes, cooking is fun.
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
Speaking Japanese is a little difficult.
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
本を読 面白いです。
Reading books is interesting.
More grammar in this theme
- 〜のは〜ですmake an activity the topic