If you look at the following dictionary definitions you will find that the word "subject" has 16 noun definitions (i.e. meanings and uses), there are 5 adjective defintions and 5 verb defintions:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/subject
I think you are interested in the first defintion:
1. that which forms a basic matter of thought, discussion, investigation, etc.: a subject of conversation.
The word "topic" has 4 noun defintions. I think you are interested in the first defintion:
1. a subject of conversation or discussion: to provide a topic for discussion.
English speakers often use either "subject or topic" to describe something that they are talking about or thinking about. The two words are synonyms (words that have a similar meaning).
June 15, 2010
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Topic is what it covers (categorically) and subject is what it contains (categorically). Their use is interchangeable in many situations. Let's change the topic and leave this subject :)
July 20, 2011
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