🧩 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

The difference between 은/는 and 이/가 can be confusing at first, but don’t worry—it becomes easier with practice! Start using them in simple sentences, and you’ll get the hang of it soon.

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!

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