は

particle

topic marker

Marks the topic of the sentence. Pronounced わ.

• 私わたしは学がく生せいです。

  I am a student.

particle

contrast marker

Indicates contrast with another option, stated or implied. Pronounced わ.

• 犬いぬは好すきですが、猫ねこは嫌きらいです。

  I like dogs, but I don't like cats.

particle

emphasis marker

Adds emphasis to the preceding word. Pronounced わ.

• そんなことはない。

  That is not the case (emphatic).