Learn Hardcore Japanese: watasi ha kutu wo hakimasu.

は is the topic marker in Japanese. It tells the listener what the sentence is about—in this case, “as for me.” Using が would emphasize “I” as the subject in a new or contrasting context, and omitting the particle entirely can sound abrupt or unclear. In polite, straightforward statements you’ll almost always see は marking the topic.

Why is the particle を used after 靴?

を marks the direct object of a verb—the thing being acted upon. Here, 靴 (shoes) is what you “put on,” so it takes を to show that 靴 is the object of 履きます.

Why does the verb 履きます come at the end of the sentence?

Japanese follows a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) word order. You introduce the topic (私), then the object (靴), and finally the action (履きます). The verb always appears at the end in a normal declarative sentence.

What’s the difference between 履く and 着る when talking about putting on clothes?

履く (haku) is used for items you wear on your feet or legs, like shoes, socks, pants, and skirts.
着る (kiru) is used for items you wear on your torso, like shirts, jackets, and dresses.

Why is 履きます used instead of the plain form 履く?

履きます is the polite ～ます form, appropriate for formal or polite contexts. The plain (dictionary) form 履く is used in casual speech, diaries, or when talking with close friends and family.

Why is は pronounced wa in 私は even though it’s written は?

When は functions as a particle, its pronunciation changes from “ha” to “wa.” The writing stays the same, but in speech you say “wa.”

Can you omit 私 in this sentence and just say 靴を履きます?

Yes. Japanese often drops the topic or subject if it’s understood from context. 靴を履きます on its own would still mean “(I) put on shoes,” assuming the listener knows who you’re talking about.

How do you read the kanji 靴, and why?

The kanji 靴 is read くつ (kutsu). This is its native Japanese (kun-yomi) reading. You memorize this reading along with the kanji in vocabulary lists or kanji study resources.