🧩 Particles 은/는 vs 이/가 – Beginner Level (TOPIK 1–2)
Confused between 은/는 and 이/가? You're not alone! Let's break down the difference and learn how to use them with confidence. 🎯
- 🎯 What Are Korean Particles?
- 📌 When to Use 은/는
- 🔎 When to Use 이/가
- 📊 은/는 vs 이/가 Comparison
- 🗣 Example Sentences
- 🎭 Practice Dialogue
- 💡 Did You Know?
- 💬 Final Thoughts
- 🔗 Related Posts
🎯 What Are Korean Particles?
In Korean, particles are added to nouns to show the **role of the word** in the sentence. 은/는 and 이/가 are the most basic and important particles to learn first.
📌 When to Use 은/는
Use 은/는 to show the **topic** of a sentence or to **contrast** things. It gives background or sets the stage.
- 저는 학생이에요.
jeoneun haksaeng-ieyo
As for me, I am a student. - 이것은 책이에요.
igeoseun chaek-ieyo
This (one) is a book.
Tip: 은 is used after consonants, 는 after vowels.
🔎 When to Use 이/가
Use 이/가 to show the **subject** of a sentence or to introduce **new information**. It answers “who” or “what” is doing the action or being described.
- 고양이가 귀여워요.
goyang-i-ga gwiyowoyo
The cat is cute. - 비가 와요.
biga wayo
It’s raining.
Tip: 이 is used after consonants, 가 after vowels.
📊 은/는 vs 이/가 Comparison
| Usage | 은/는 | 이/가 |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Topic / Contrast | Subject / New Info |
| Example | 저는 학생이에요. | 학생이 책을 읽어요. |
| Meaning | As for me... | The student is (doing something)... |
🗣 Example Sentences
- 오늘은 날씨가 좋아요.
oneureun nalssiga joayo
As for today, the weather is nice. - 이 책은 재미있어요.
i chaekeun jaemiisseoyo
This book (compared to others) is interesting. - 친구가 왔어요.
chinguga wasseoyo
(A) friend came.
🎭 Practice Dialogue
A: 누가 갔어요?
nuga gasseoyo?
Who went?
B: 민지가 갔어요.
Minji-ga gasseoyo
Minji went.
A: 수지는요?
Sujineun-yo?
What about Suji?
B: 수지는 안 갔어요.
Sujineun an gasseoyo
Suji didn’t go.
💡 Did You Know?
Korean children learn particles naturally from their family environment, but foreigners must learn them consciously. In K-pop lyrics or casual speech, 은/는 and 이/가 are often dropped—but you should learn to use them correctly first. Eventually, you’ll start to “feel” the nuance of each one like a native! 🌱
💬 Final Thoughts
I hope that while reading various posts on my blog, you’ll learn Korean and grow to love Korea. As a Korean, I sincerely wish for that. Please come back anytime to discover new expressions and cultural insights!
🔗 Related Posts
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