🧩 Understanding Korean Particles: 은/는, 이/가, 을/를 Explained
If you’ve just started learning Korean, chances are you’ve run into these small but powerful words: 은/는, 이/가, and 을/를.
They’re called particles (조사), and they attach to nouns to show what role each word plays in a sentence. Think of them as Korean sentence glue! 🧷
Let’s break down each one so you can start using them naturally.
1️⃣ 은/는 – The Topic Particle
Used to introduce or emphasize the topic of a sentence.
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은 → after consonants
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는 → after vowels
Examples:
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저는 학생이에요. (jeoneun haksaeng-ieyo) → As for me, I’m a student.
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이 음식은 맛있어요. (i eumsig-eun masisseoyo) → This food, it's delicious.
📌 Tip: 은/는 often shows contrast or general statements.
→ 오늘은 비가 와요. (Today, it’s raining — but not yesterday.)
2️⃣ 이/가 – The Subject Particle
Used to mark the subject that is doing something or existing.
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이 → after consonants
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가 → after vowels
Examples:
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고양이가 귀여워요. (goyangi-ga gwiyeowoyo) → The cat is cute.
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친구가 왔어요. (chingu-ga wasseoyo) → A friend came.
📌 Tip: 이/가 puts focus on what is new or important.
→ 누가 했어요? → 제가 했어요! (Who did it? → I did it!)
3️⃣ 을/를 – The Object Particle
Marks the object that receives an action.
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을 → after consonants
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를 → after vowels
Examples:
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밥을 먹어요. (bap-eul meogeoyo) → I eat rice.
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영화를 봐요. (yeonghwa-reul bwayo) → I watch a movie.
📌 Tip: 을/를 answers “what” is being acted on.
→ 저는 커피를 마셔요. (I drink coffee.)
⚖️ 은/는 vs. 이/가: What’s the Difference?
Let’s compare:
| Sentence | Meaning / Emphasis |
|---|---|
| 고양이는 귀여워요. | As for the cat, it’s cute. (general) |
| 고양이가 귀여워요. | The cat is cute. (specific) |
Use 은/는 for contrast or known topics.
Use 이/가 for new information or the doer of the verb.
🧠 How to Practice Particles
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Replace the noun in sample sentences and say it aloud.
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Mix and match:
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저는 친구를 만났어요.
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친구가 저를 도왔어요.
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Shadow sentences from K-dramas with particles.
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Create a chart to show which particles go where.
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Write short diary entries using 은/는, 이/가, 을/를.
👩🏫 Still Confused? Practice Live with Me!
Particles are one of the hardest parts of Korean, but once you get used to them, everything clicks. I can help you master them with real conversation practice!
👉 Book a 1-on-1 class with me on italki:
https://www.italki.com/ko/teacher/7916559
Let’s practice real Korean together—particles and all! 💬📘
