📘Grammar 1: How to Master Korean Particles – 은/는, 이/가, 을/를 Explained

📘 How to Master Korean Particles – 은/는, 이/가, 을/를 Explained

If you’re learning Korean, understanding particles like 은/는, 이/가, and 을/를 is essential. They help you form proper sentences, express the right meaning, and sound natural.

This guide will break down these core Korean particles clearly, using:

• 📝 Easy grammar explanation
• 🗣️ Example sentences
• 📊 Vocabulary tables with Romanization
• 🧠 Practice quiz (with hidden answers)

Let’s dive into the most useful Korean particles for beginners!

1️⃣ 은/는 – Topic Marker

Use 은/는 to mark the topic of a sentence — what you're talking about. It often contrasts or introduces something.

Sentence	Meaning	Romanization
저는 학생이에요.	As for me, I’m a student.	jeo-neun hak-saeng-i-e-yo
오늘은 날씨가 좋아요.	As for today, the weather is good.	o-neul-eun nal-ssi-ga jo-a-yo

🟡 은 is used after consonants, 는 after vowels.

2️⃣ 이/가 – Subject Marker

이/가 marks the subject of a sentence — who or what is performing the action or being described.

Sentence	Meaning	Romanization
친구가 왔어요.	The friend came.	chin-gu-ga wa-sseo-yo
고양이가 귀여워요.	The cat is cute.	go-yang-i-ga gwi-yeo-wo-yo

🟡 이 is used after consonants, 가 after vowels.

3️⃣ 을/를 – Object Marker

Use 을/를 to mark the object — the thing that receives the action.

Sentence	Meaning	Romanization
사과를 먹어요.	I eat an apple.	sa-gwa-reul meok-eo-yo
책을 읽어요.	I read a book.	chaek-eul ilg-eo-yo

🟡 을 after consonants, 를 after vowels.

📌 Comparing 은/는 vs 이/가 – Topic vs Subject

Let’s compare two sentences that look similar but have different focus:

Sentence	Meaning	Romanization
저는 학생이에요.	As for me, I am a student (topic).	jeo-neun hak-saeng-i-e-yo
제가 학생이에요.	I (not someone else) am the student (subject).	je-ga hak-saeng-i-e-yo

은/는: emphasizes the topic or contrast
이/가: emphasizes the subject or new information

📝 Mini Quiz – Test Yourself!

1. Which particle is used to mark the object in Korean?
   a) 은/는
   b) 이/가
   c) 을/를
   
   Click to Show Answer

   ✅ c) 을/를

2. Choose the correct version of this sentence:
   “I eat an apple.”
   a) 저는 사과가 먹어요
   b) 저는 사과은 먹어요
   c) 저는 사과를 먹어요
   
   Click to Show Answer

   ✅ c) 저는 사과를 먹어요

3. What does this sentence mean?
   고양이가 귀여워요
   a) The dog is cute
   b) I am angry
   c) The cat is cute
   
   Click to Show Answer

   ✅ c) The cat is cute

✅ Conclusion

Now you’ve learned how to properly use:

• 은/는 – to set the topic or show contrast
• 이/가 – to mark the subject (new info)
• 을/를 – to mark the object of the action

These particles may seem small, but they are the backbone of every Korean sentence! Keep practicing and reviewing them in real sentences and conversations.

👉 Stay tuned for more grammar breakdowns, quizzes, and practice guides!

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