A particle that marks the subject of a sentence. Used to indicate who or what performs the action or is in the state described.
猫が窓のところにいる。
A cat is by the window.
田中さんが会議に来ました。
Mr. Tanaka came to the meeting.
誰が来るかまだ分からない。
I still don't know who will come.
A literary/archaic genitive particle meaning possession (modern Japanese usually uses の). It also appears as the character ヶ in place names, read as 'が' in some names.
我が国は平和を大切にする。
Our country values peace.
八ヶ岳（やつがたけ）は登山で有名だ。
Yatsugatake is famous for mountain climbing.
A conjunction/particle meaning 'but', 'however' — used to contrast the preceding clause with what follows.
行きたいが、今日は用事がある。
I want to go, but I have plans today.
安いが品質が心配だ。
It's cheap, but I'm worried about the quality.
説明は聞いたが、まだ分からない。
I listened to the explanation, but I still don't understand.
A particle sometimes used to list or coordinate items in a way similar to 'and' — often seen in more expressive, poetic, or spoken contexts.
リンゴがオレンジがテーブルに置いてある。
Apples and oranges are on the table.
道が山が見える風景が好きだ。
I like landscapes where you can see roads and mountains.
Used after an introductory remark or warning to lead into the main statement (e.g., 'I'll say this, but ...').
一言言っておくが、期限は厳守だ。
I'll say one thing: the deadline must be respected.
言っておくが、これは最後のチャンスだ。
Just so you know, this is the last chance.
Attached after the volitional or -まい form of a verb to mean 'regardless of whether ... or not' (e.g., 行こうが行くまいが).
雨が降ろうが降るまいが、試合は行われる。
Whether it rains or not, the game will be held.
行こうが行くまいが、知らせてください。
Whether you go or not, please let me know.
Used to express a wish or hope, often in patterns like '〜といいが' indicating the speaker's desire or expectation.
彼が早く元気になるといいが。
I hope he gets well soon.
試験に受かるといいが、今はまだわからない。
I hope I pass the exam, but I don't know yet.
At the end of a sentence, used to soften a statement or leave it unfinished/unsaid, creating a trailing-off or tentative effect.
今日は早く帰るが…。
I'll go home early today... (trailing off)
それでいいが、詳しいことはまた後で話そう。
That's fine for now, but let's talk details later.
Used at the sentence end to indicate doubt or uncertainty, often functioning like a brief question or a check for confirmation.
やる気が？
Are you motivated? (said with doubt)
本当に来るかが…
Whether they'll really come... (I'm doubtful)
Used after a noun as an interjection to show scorn or contempt (a dismissive or insulting exclamation).
お前が！
You! (said scornfully)
そんなことをするとは、男が！
To think you'd do such a thing — what a man! (expressing scorn)