Particles · N4
は as contrast
The topic marker can also set up an explicit or implicit contrast.
In short
When は replaces another particle or marks one item against alternatives, it can signal “as for X (in contrast to something else)”.
How it works
コーヒーは飲みます can mean “I do drink coffee” with an implied contrast such as not drinking tea. The surrounding conversation determines how strong that contrast is.
Useful contrast
This is related to topic marking, not a completely separate particle meaning: choosing a topic naturally creates a comparison frame.
Examples
魚は食べます。
I eat fish (though perhaps not something else).
今日は行きません。
As for today, I am not going.
Common pitfall
Do not assume every は sentence sounds contrastive. Neutral topic は is extremely common.