1. Introduction
Korean uses particles (조사) to indicate the role of words in a sentence.
Two of the most important are 은/는 (topic markers) and 이/가 (subject markers).
Mastering these is essential for building correct Korean sentences.
2. 은/는 (Topic Markers)
은 (eun) = used after consonants
는 (neun) = used after vowels
Function: shows the topic of the sentence (what we are talking about).
Examples:
나는 학생이다. (naneun haksaengida) = As for me, I am a student.
오늘은 날씨가 좋다. (oneureun nalssiga jota) = As for today, the weather is good.
3. 이/가 (Subject Markers)
이 (i) = used after consonants
가 (ga) = used after vowels
Function: marks the subject of the sentence (who/what is doing the action).
Examples:
고양이가 잔다. (goyangiga janda) = The cat is sleeping.
학생이 책을 읽는다. (haksaengi chaegeul ikneunda) = The student reads a book.
4. 은/는 vs. 이/가
은/는 = sets the topic or contrast
이/가 = highlights the subject or emphasizes new information
Examples:
저는 학생입니다. (jeoneun haksaengimnida) = As for me, I am a student.
제가 학생입니다. (jega haksaengimnida) = I am the one who is a student.
5. Sentence Practice
나는 한국 사람이다. (naneun hanguk saramida) = As for me, I am Korean.
책이 있다. (chaegi itda) = There is a book.
오늘은 날씨가 춥다. (oneureun nalssiga chupda) = As for today, the weather is cold.
6. Exercises
Make three sentences with 은/는.
Make three sentences with 이/가.
Compare 은/는 and 이/가 in two sentences.
7. Summary
은/는 = topic markers, used to introduce or emphasize the topic.
이/가 = subject markers, used to identify the subject or give emphasis.
Understanding these particles is key to natural Korean expression.