# は〜が…は: A is ..., but B is ...

> Learn how to use は〜が…は, a JLPT N4 Japanese grammar point meaning A is ..., but B is ..., with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N4 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n4-wa-ga-wa/

**は〜が…は** means **A is ..., but B is ...**. It is a **JLPT N4** Japanese grammar pattern used to express this idea in natural Japanese.

This English meaning is written independently from the source list so it answers the learner question directly: what does **は〜が…は** mean and when should you use it?

## What does は〜が…は mean?

Use **は〜が…は** when you want to express **A is ..., but B is ...** in a Japanese sentence.

Natural translations include:
- A is ..., but B is ...
- to express “A is ..., but B is ...” naturally
- the closest natural English meaning in context

## How to form は〜が…は

A は + phrase が + B は + contrasting phrase

Examples of the pattern:
- A は + phrase が + B は + contrasting phrase
- は〜が…は
- related form: けれども

## When is は〜が…は used?

Use **は〜が…は** in situations like:
- reading or writing JLPT N4-level sentences
- making a sentence more precise than a basic N5 pattern
- recognizing natural grammar in conversation or short passages

Tone and register:
- usually neutral unless the pattern itself is casual, humble, honorific, or written
- common in JLPT N4 grammar study and everyday examples

## は〜が…は example sentences

- 日本語は好きですが、漢字は難しいです。 — I like Japanese, but kanji is difficult.
- 料理はできますが、掃除は苦手です。 — I can cook, but I am bad at cleaning.
- この店は安いですが、駅からは遠いです。 — This shop is cheap, but it is far from the station.
- 読むことは簡単ですが、話すことは難しいです。 — Reading is easy, but speaking is difficult.
- 夏は好きですが、暑さは苦手です。 — I like summer, but I do not handle the heat well.

## Nuance of は〜が…は

The key nuance is **A is ..., but B is ... in context**, not a word-for-word English replacement.

This matters because **は〜が…は** often changes the relationship between actions, people, time, or evidence in the sentence. Read the whole sentence before choosing the English translation.

## は〜が…は vs けれども

Both patterns can appear in related sentences, but they do different jobs.

**は〜が…は**:
- is the target JLPT N4 pattern in this lesson
- focuses on **A is ..., but B is ...**

**けれども**:
- is useful for comparison because learners often confuse nearby forms
- may change the tone, evidence, direction, or relationship in the sentence

Quick contrast examples:
- Target pattern: 日本語は好きですが、漢字は難しいです。 — I like Japanese, but kanji is difficult.
- Related pattern with **けれども**: compare what changes in evidence, timing, direction, or politeness.

## Common mistakes with は〜が…は

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Translating it too literally without understanding the nuance
- Using the wrong verb, adjective, or noun form
- Confusing **は〜が…は** with **けれども** because the English can sound similar

## Is は〜が…は on the JLPT?

Yes. **は〜が…は** is connected to **JLPT N4** grammar in this blog.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

## Practice questions for は〜が…は

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one short sentence using the basic structure.
- Replace the subject, time, or object and keep the same grammar point.
- Compare your sentence with the related pattern above.

## Learning path for は〜が…は

Use **は〜が…は** as part of your **JLPT N4** comparison, degree, and focus grammar toolkit. Decide what **は〜が…は** is comparing, emphasizing, or measuring, then practice replacing the compared item or degree expression while keeping the same sentence frame.

1. First, make one short sentence with **は〜が…は**.
2. Next, compare it with [ばかり](/blog/n4-bakari/) to see how the nuance changes.
3. Then, add [だけで](/blog/n4-dake-de/) or [より](/blog/n4-yori/) and observe the difference.
4. Finally, write one sentence that uses **は〜が…は** in its most literal meaning, one sentence that changes the subject or time expression, and one sentence that contrasts it with one of the related patterns below.

## Related grammar to review next

- [ばかり](/blog/n4-bakari/) — contrasts with this pattern from the listing, addition, and choice grammar group.
- [だけで](/blog/n4-dake-de/) — contrasts with this pattern from the listing, addition, and choice grammar group.
- [より](/blog/n4-yori/) — gives another pattern for comparison, degree, or sentence focus.
- [の中で](/blog/n4-no-naka-de/) — gives another pattern for comparison, degree, or sentence focus.

## Learn は〜が…は with Hane

If you want to review **は〜が…は** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N4 grammar lessons](/blog/n4/)