Grammar Point
particle
prt 
は

indicates contrast with another option (stated or unstated)

Noun + は

The particle は can be used to emphasize a contrast between two things. It highlights that while something is true for the marked item, it may not be true for others, or it is specifically being compared to something else.

Single Noun Contrast

When used with a single noun, は implies a contrast with an unstated alternative.

I drink water (but I don't drink other things like soda).

As for meat, I eat it (but perhaps not vegetables).

Explicit Comparison

When two items are mentioned with は, it explicitly contrasts the two different states or actions associated with them.

I like apples, but I hate bananas.

Today is cold, but yesterday was warm.

Note

When は is used for contrast, it often carries a nuance of 'at least' or 'as for this specific thing (but maybe not others)'. In speech, the contrastive は is often pronounced with a stronger stress or higher pitch than the thematic は.

Words: 
は
Radicals of radicals