Recognize topics, objects and time expressions.
The rule
は indicates the topic; を marks the direct object of an action; に accompanies a specific hour. A destination can also be marked with に or へ.
Examples
私は本を読みます。
I'm reading a book.
7時に起きます。
I'm up at 7:00.
Remember
- は presents the topic; を marks the subject of the action; に can indicate an hour or a destination.
- The particle は is pronounced "Wa", and を is pronounced "O".
In everyday life
私は水を飲みます。
I drink water.
学校に行きます。
I'm going to school.
Common mistake
Do not systematically translate は into "subject": the topic and grammatical subject may be different.