Frequency:
1

A particle that marks the topic of a sentence (written は but pronounced 'wa'). It sets the theme or what the sentence is about.

Particle

Examples

私は学生です。

I am a student.

今日は雨です。

As for today, it's rainy.

この本はとても面白い。

This book is very interesting.

2

A particle used to indicate contrast with another option (stated or unstated), often translated as '… (as for) X, (but) Y...'.

Particle

Examples

ビールは飲めるけど、日本酒は苦手です。

I can drink beer, but I'm not good with sake.

彼は行くと言ったが、私は行かない。

He said he'd go, but I won't.

昼は忙しいが、夜は暇です。

I'm busy during the day, but free at night.

3

A particle used to add emphasis to a phrase—often used to stress contrast, negation, or emotion (e.g. 'そんなことはない').

Particle

Examples

そんなことはない。

That's not true (emphatic).

暑いは暑いが、海に行きたい。

It's hot, but I still want to go to the beach.

彼が悪いは悪いが、全部彼のせいではない。

He's at fault, yes, but it's not entirely his fault.