🧩 Particles 은/는 vs 이/가 – Beginner Level (TOPIK 1–2)
🎯 The Ultimate Battle: Mastering 은/는 vs. 이/가
Confused between these four tiny syllables? You're not alone! Teacher Hoon explains the fundamental difference between Topic Markers and Subject Markers so you can speak with native confidence.
Role of Particles (EEAT Tip)
In English, word order defines the sentence. In Korean, Particles (조사) define the role of each word. As a teacher with 20 years of experience, I always tell my students: don't think of them as "A/The." Think of them as Focus Markers. Where do you want the listener to look? Let's decode the secret.
📊 Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | 은 / 는 (Topic) | 이 / 가 (Subject) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | General statements / Contrast | Introducing new info / Action focus |
| Nuance | "As for me..." / "Unlike others" | "Who/What did it?" |
| Vowel/Consonant | 는 (V) / 은 (C) | 가 (V) / 이 (C) |
📌 은/는: The Background & Contrast
Use 은/는 to set the stage or to compare two things. It focuses on the Description.
- 🙋♂️ 저는 학생이에요. (As for me, I'm a student. - General intro)
- 🍎 이 사과는 맛있어요. (This apple [unlike others] is delicious. - Contrast)
🔎 이/가: The Specific Subject
Use 이/가 when you introduce something for the first time or want to point out exactly WHO is doing the action.
- 🐈 고양이가 귀여워요. (The cat [that one specifically] is cute.)
- ☔ 비가 와요. (Rain is falling. - New observation)
💡 Teacher Hoon's expert "Contrast" Tip
This is the most powerful use of 은/는! If you say "민지는 갔어요. 수지는 안 갔어요," you are emphasizing that Suji stayed while Minji left. It creates a "link" between two opposing facts. Master this, and you'll sound like you have high emotional intelligence (EQ) in Korean!
🗣 Practice Dialogue: Who Went?
A: 누가 갔어요? (Who went?)
B: 민지가 갔어요. (Minji went. - Focus on Minji)
A: 수지는요? (As for Suji?)
B: 수지는 안 갔어요. (Suji [unlike Minji] didn't go.)
Still Confused by Particles?
Don't worry, even advanced learners make mistakes with these! Book a 1:1 "Beginner Mastery" session with Hoon on italki. We'll practice real-life intros and descriptions until these particles feel as natural as breathing.
🚀 Practice Particles with Hoon
Related Beginner Lessons:
Deep Dive into 은/는 |
Sentence Structure
