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Understanding the Korean Particles 는/은, 를/을, and 이/가

Korean grammar uses particles to show the role of words in a sentence. Three of the most common particles are 는/은, 를/을, and 이/가. They may look similar to beginners, but each has a unique function. Let’s explore how they work and how they differ.

1. 는 / 은 – Topic Marker

This particle marks the topic of a sentence — what you’re talking about or introducing.

  • 는 is used after a vowel.
  • 은 is used after a consonant.

It sets the general theme and often contrasts or emphasizes what follows.

Examples:

  • 저는 학생이에요.
    (As for me, I’m a student.)
  • 이 책은 재미있어요.
    (As for this book, it’s interesting.)

✅ Use 는/은 to:

  • Introduce new topics
  • Compare or contrast
  • Emphasize the context of discussion

2. 이 / 가 – Subject Marker

This marks the subject of the sentence — the person or thing that performs an action or is described by the verb.

  • 이 is used after a consonant.
  • 가 is used after a vowel.

It often highlights who or what is doing something or experiencing a state.

Examples:

  • 고양이가 자고 있어요.
    (The cat is sleeping.)
  • 누가 왔어요?
    (Who came?)

✅ Use 이/가 to:

  • Emphasize the subject or who is doing the action
  • Answer “who?” or “what?”
  • Introduce something new to the conversation

3. 를 / 을 – Object Marker

This particle marks the object — the noun that receives the action of the verb.

  • 를 is used after a vowel.
  • 을 is used after a consonant.

Examples:

  • 밥을 먹어요.
    (I eat rice.)
  • 책을 읽어요.
    (I read a book.)

✅ Use 를/을 to:

  • Show what someone is acting upon
  • Mark the direct object of a verb

Summary Table

Particle Function Used After Role in Sentence
는/은 Topic Marker Vowel/Consonant What the sentence is about
이/가 Subject Marker Consonant/Vowel Who/what does the action
를/을 Object Marker Vowel/Consonant What receives the action

Final Tip

Sometimes, more than one particle seems possible. For example:

  • 저는 밥을 먹어요. (Topic + Object)
  • 내가 밥을 먹어요. (Subject + Object, emphasizing I)

Both are grammatically correct, but the meaning shifts slightly depending on what you want to emphasize — the topic or the subject.

With practice and exposure, choosing the right particle will become more natural!