(postposition, Japanese)
The Japanese postposition (like a preposition except after a word) "wa" is the topic marker, which identifies the topic (duh) of the sentence. The literal meaning is "As for (noun)." Usually the topic and the subject are the same thing, but only if the topic has already been introduced; otherwise, you use the subject marker "ga." Additionally, "wa" can be used to indicate contrast or emphasis of the subject. The way "wa" is being used depends on context and intonation.
The Japanese postposition (like a preposition except after a word) "wa" is the topic marker, which identifies the topic (duh) of the sentence. The literal meaning is "As for (noun)." Usually the topic and the subject are the same thing, but only if the topic has already been introduced; otherwise, you use the subject marker "ga." Additionally, "wa" can be used to indicate contrast or emphasis of the subject. The way "wa" is being used depends on context and intonation.
Topic: Watashi wa koukousei desu. ("I am a high school student.")
Contrast: Biiru wa nomimasu ga, wain wa nomimasen. ("I drink beer, but I don't drink wine.")
As an aside: Wa is not a verb; verbs are always at the end of a sentence in Japanese. Wa is not the Japanese copula, "desu" is; all wa does is tell you what the hell is being talked about. Don't be stupid and think of it any other way.
Contrast: Biiru wa nomimasu ga, wain wa nomimasen. ("I drink beer, but I don't drink wine.")
As an aside: Wa is not a verb; verbs are always at the end of a sentence in Japanese. Wa is not the Japanese copula, "desu" is; all wa does is tell you what the hell is being talked about. Don't be stupid and think of it any other way.
by whatdoyoucare July 17, 2006
Get the wa mug.An Irish term commonly used to describe a person of traveller background but also used to describe any uncultured, ill-mannered person. Similar to scobe and knacker with similar dress sense.
by anonymous yolk June 22, 2005
Get the wa mug.by Nameless person February 24, 2003
Get the wa mug.
Sho fo "what"
To question somebody when you are so intoxicated that the memory trace cannot even finish firing among synapses. You actually forget how to say the word that taught you so very much.
To question somebody when you are so intoxicated that the memory trace cannot even finish firing among synapses. You actually forget how to say the word that taught you so very much.
by NapDynoGosh April 24, 2005
Get the wa mug.
wa is how Japanese refer to their own country.
It's an ancient name for Japan and it literally means "Harmony".
It's an ancient name for Japan and it literally means "Harmony".
by wadokujin June 29, 2009
Get the wa mug.