は vs も: Saying “also” in Japanese

The basic idea

は sets the topic. も means “also” or “too.” When も takes the place of は, it usually adds someone or something to an idea that is already on the table.

Start with は

Use は to tell your listener what you are yapping about.

Add も

Use も when the next person or thing shares the same description or action. It is close to saying “that is true for this one too.”

See them in a conversation

The first sentence gives us the starting point. The second sentence uses も to connect a new person to that same idea.

も replaces は

When も means “also,” it goes where は would go. You do not normally use は and も together on the same noun phrase.

も works with negative sentences

も can add someone or something to a negative statement as well.

Useful patterns

Japanese: X は Y です。
Romaji: X wa Y desu.
Meaning: X is Y.

Japanese: Z も Y です。
Romaji: Z mo Y desu.
Meaning: Z is Y too.

Japanese: わたし も そう です。
Romaji: Watashi mo sou desu.
Meaning: Me too. / That is true for me too.

A few things to watch for

は introduces the topic. も adds another item to an idea that has already been mentioned. If you are only introducing the topic, は is usually the natural choice.

Have a go

Fill in は or も.

Japanese: わたし は がくせい です。 やまださん ___ がくせい です。
Romaji: Watashi wa gakusei desu. Yamada-san ___ gakusei desu.
Meaning: I am a student. Yamada is a student too.

Japanese: わたし は ねこ が すき です。 いぬ ___ すき です。
Romaji: Watashi wa neko ga suki desu. Inu ___ suki desu.
Meaning: I like cats. I like dogs too.

Answers: 1. も 2. も. Yap the sentences aloud, then make one about a friend.

One thing to remember

は starts the topic. も picks up the same idea and adds another person or thing. When you want to say “too” or “also,” try も.