JLPT N3 reference · Discourse organization

Topic chains and omission

Japanese cohesion often relies on continuity and zero pronouns instead of repeated names or explicit subjects.

Core meaning and form

Establish a topic with は, then omit repeated arguments while the same discourse center remains accessible. Restore or contrast the topic when reference could switch or become ambiguous.

Form: Establish a topic with は, then omit repeated arguments while the same discourse center remains accessible.
Core use: Japanese cohesion often relies on continuity and zero pronouns instead of repeated names or explicit subjects.
Context: Restore or contrast the topic when reference could switch or become ambiguous.

Examples in context

田中さんは会社員です。東京で働いています。Tanaka-san wa kaishain desu. Tōkyō de hataraite imasu.Mr Tanaka is an office worker. He works in Tokyo.

この本は面白いです。昨日買いました。Kono hon wa omoshiroi desu. Kinō kaimashita.This book is interesting. I bought it yesterday.

姉は料理が得意で、よく作ってくれます。Ane wa ryōri ga tokui de, yoku tsukutte kuremasu.My older sister is good at cooking and often cooks for me.

Common errors

Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.

Quick summary

Establish a topic with は, then omit repeated arguments while the same discourse center remains accessible.
Japanese cohesion often relies on continuity and zero pronouns instead of repeated names or explicit subjects.
Restore or contrast the topic when reference could switch or become ambiguous.