Proper usage of "Ga" and "Wa"

[deelicious]

Hi there!

Yep, I'm new to the forum.
And yes, I did read the rules but somehow couldn't find a previous topic where this question had already been asked. So... I thought I'll just give it a shot here. I've been studying Japanese for some time (I can read and write KANA) and I can't seem to understand when which is used. My Japanese friend couldn't explain it to me and said "Even for japanese it's difficult". So... is there a clear rule when to use "wa" and when "ga"?

For example:

Watashi wa Suisu-jin desu.
That's pretty clear as in "I AM swiss."

Watashi wa kore ga suki ja nai.
But here it means something like "(concerning me) I don't like this."

Kare ga suki
"I like him."

Fugu ga tabetai (is this correct?).
I want to eat Fugu.

Watashi wa tebeteiru.
I am eating.

So up to here I'm thinking that "wa" somehow replaces the "I am","me" or another subject, while "ga" relates a subject to a verb or adjective. Although.."wa" does that too. You see, clearly I'm confused so if anyone could help (or redirect me to the topic where it's been previously explained) it would be much appreciated.

Mata,
Dee

[ss]

Welcome to TJP.

Please take your time to read through these threads, they contain a lot of useful information.

Ga vs Wa
Should I use wa or ga in this situation
wa versus ga
Why ga instead of wa
The Ga question
Nattou wa oishii - wa and ga problems!!!!

[deelicious]

Thanks a lot, I didn't see those! Hehe chotto hazukashii ne~

[jimbreen]

Thanks a lot, I didn't see those! Hehe chotto hazukashii ne~

If you get a chance, read Jay Rubin's "Making Sense of Japanese" (formerly "Gone Fishin'"). It has the best analysis of wa/ga that I have read.

Jim

[becki_kanou]

Thanks a lot, I didn't see those! Hehe chotto hazukashii ne~

If you get a chance, read Jay Rubin's "Making Sense of Japanese" (formerly "Gone Fishin'"). It has the best analysis of wa/ga that I have read.

Jim

I'm very happy to hear you recommend it, Jim, as I just bought it for my mother for her birthday! I know I've been favorably impressed with his translations of Murakami Haruki, so I figured it was a safe bet, but it's good to hear a recommendation from you.