Meaning & Usage
✨ Basic Meaning
The particle は following a quantity word marks that quantity as the topic or focus of the sentence. It draws attention to the specific amount being mentioned.
🎯 Primary Function
To emphasize or highlight a specific quantity, often implying a minimum (“at least”) or a requirement. It sets the quantity apart from others.
📋 Grammar Structure
[数量詞 (Quantity word)] + は
🎭 Usage Contexts
Formal Situations
Can be used in formal contexts to clearly state requirements or conditions related to quantity.
Informal Situations
Also used informally when specifying minimums or emphasizing amounts.
Written Language
Common in written instructions, reports, or descriptions where precise quantities or conditions are important.
Spoken Language
Used in spoken language to add emphasis or clarify minimum requirements or expectations.
💡 Common Applications
Stating Minimum Requirements/Expectations
Used to indicate that the stated quantity is the minimum acceptable or expected amount.
Example: このクラスに参加するには、日本語能力試験N3**は**必要です。(Kono kurasu ni sanka suru ni wa, Nihongo Nouryoku Shiken N3 wa hitsuyou desu.) – To participate in this class, at least JLPT N3 is necessary.
Highlighting a Specific Quantity
Used to draw attention to a particular number, often in contrast to other possibilities (though the contrast is sometimes implied rather than stated).
Example: 宿題はあと一つ**は**残っています。(Shukudai wa ato hitotsu wa nokotte imasu.) – As for homework, there is at least one more left. (Highlights that it’s not zero or none).
Indicating “At Least”
When used with durations, frequencies, or countable items, it often carries the nuance of “at least”.
Example: 毎日、二時間**は**日本語を勉強しています。(Mainichi, ni-jikan wa Nihongo o benkyou shite imasu.) – I study Japanese for at least two hours every day.
Frequency
Moderately common in daily conversation and written materials when specific quantities or conditions need to be highlighted.
Difficulty
JLPT N3
Example Sentences
この部屋には、三人**は**入れる。
This room can fit at least three people.
リンゴを五つ**は**買いたい。
I want to buy at least five apples.
毎日、二時間**は**日本語を勉強しています。
I study Japanese for at least two hours every day.
Notes & Nuances
📌 Important Points
Particle は marks the quantity as the topic.
By placing は after the quantity word, you are making that quantity the focus or topic of the sentence, drawing the listener’s or reader’s attention to it.
Example: 子供が三人**は**います。(Kodomo ga san-nin wa imasu.) – As for children, there are three (implying at least or specifically three, maybe in contrast to expecting more or less).
Often implies “at least” or “at most”.
Depending on the context, especially with verbs like 入れる (haireru – can fit), 必要 (hitsuyou – necessary), or duration/frequency, it frequently conveys the nuance of “at least”. When combined with まで, it means “up to” or “at most”.
Example: この箱にミカンが十個**は**入る。(Kono hako ni mikan ga jukko wa hairu.) – This box can fit at least ten oranges.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ Using は when simple quantity statement is sufficient.
✅ Use 数量 + は only when you want to emphasize the quantity, imply a minimum/maximum, or set it as a topic. Otherwise, just use the quantity with the appropriate particle (が, を, に, etc.).
Simply stating “I bought five apples” (リンゴを五つ買いました) doesn’t require は unless you mean “I bought at least five apples” (リンゴを五つ**は**買いました).
❌ Confusing the “at least” nuance with an exact number without context.
✅ Understand that 数量 + は often implies a minimum. Look at the context and surrounding words (verbs, adjectives) to determine the precise nuance.
三人**は**来ます (San-nin wa kimasu) likely means “At least three people will come,” not necessarily “Exactly three people will come.”
🏛️ Cultural Context
Politeness Level: Neutral. The use of は with quantity doesn’t inherently change the politeness level of the sentence; it depends on the verb and overall sentence structure.
Social Situations: Used in various social situations where specifying quantities or conditions is relevant.
Regional Variations: Standard Japanese grammar; no significant regional variations in usage.
🔍 Subtle Differences
数量 + は vs. 数量 + が/を
は highlights the quantity as a topic or provides emphasis/nuance (often “at least”). が/を simply mark the quantity as the subject or object without special emphasis.
When to use: Use は when you want to draw attention to the quantity, perhaps implying a minimum or setting a condition. Use が/を when you are simply stating the quantity of the subject or object.
数量 + は vs. 少なくとも + 数量
数量 + は implies “at least” but can sometimes just be emphasizing the quantity. 少なくとも (sukoshi tomo) explicitly means “at least” and is stronger.
When to use: Use 数量 + は for a subtler emphasis or implied minimum. Use 少なくとも + 数量 for a clear and explicit statement of a minimum.
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When to use: undefined
📝 Conjugation Notes
N/A. This is a particle usage pattern, not a verb or adjective conjugation.
🔊 Pronunciation Tips
Pronounce the quantity word clearly, followed by は pronounced as “wa”. Ensure proper pitch accent for the quantity word.
🧠 Memory Tips
Imagine は putting a spotlight on the number. “THIS quantity is important!” Think of it as adding emphasis or a condition (“This much, *at least*”).
Practice Exercises
この仕事をするには、あと ( ) 日**は**かかるでしょう。
一つ
一日
一度
一緒
レポートは最低でも ( ) ページ**は**書いてください。
十
十つ
十分
十回
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