Korean Grammar Basic #2 – How to Use “은/는” vs “이/가” (Topic vs Subject Markers)
- Lee Serene
- Oct 23, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 24, 2025
Learn the difference between 은/는 and 이/가 — the Korean topic and subject markers explained simply, with examples and practice.
1️⃣ Introduction
In Korean, 은/는 (eun/neun) and 이/가 (i/ga) are some of the first particles you’ll meet —and also the most confusing!
They both attach to nouns, but they have different purposes.Let’s learn how to use them naturally and clearly from the start.
2️⃣ Grammar Explanation
🔹 은/는 (eun / neun) — Topic Marker
It shows what the sentence is about — the topic or general subject of conversation.
Marker | Used After | Example | Meaning |
은 (eun) | After a consonant | 책+은 (chae-geun) | As for the book… |
는 (neun) | After a vowel | 학교+는 (hak-gyo-neun) | As for the school… |
Used for:
Introducing a topic
Comparing or contrasting
Talking about general truths
Example Sentences:
저는 학생이에요. (jeo-neun hak-saeng-i-e-yo) → I am a student.
날씨는 좋아요. (nal-ssi-neun jo-a-yo) → The weather is nice.
한국은 아름다워요. (han-gu-geun a-reum-da-wo-yo) → Korea is beautiful.
🔹 이/가 (i / ga) — Subject Marker
It shows who or what is doing the action, or emphasizes the subject of the sentence.
Marker | Used After | Example | Meaning |
이 (i) | After a consonant | 학생+이 (hak-saeng-i) | The student (subject) |
가 (ga) | After a vowel | 친구+가 (chin-gu-ga) | The friend (subject) |
Used for:
Emphasizing or identifying the subject
Answering “Who?” or “What?”
Expressing emotions or states
Example Sentences:
친구가 왔어요. (chin-gu-ga wa-sseo-yo) → My friend came.
고양이가 귀여워요. (go-yang-i-ga gwi-yeo-wo-yo) → The cat is cute.
누가 선생님이에요? (nu-ga seon-saeng-nim-i-e-yo) → Who is the teacher?
👉 Tip: “누가 (nu-ga)” is a contraction of 누구 + 가.
It literally means “who + subject marker”, and it’s used naturally in conversation — you’ll hear it all the time!
3️⃣ Difference Between “이에요 / 예요” and “아니에요”
Before we compare
Don’t worry about memorizing every tiny rule right now.
Just understand the basic difference between topic and subject markers — that’s enough!
The detailed meanings and emotional nuances will become clear naturally through context and practice.
Concept | 은/는 | 이/가 |
Function | Topic | Subject |
Focus | What we’re talking about | Who or what is doing the action |
Typical Use | Introductions, contrast, general facts | Emphasis, answers, emotions |
Quick Tips:
은/는 = “As for…”
이/가 = “(The one who / the thing that) …”
Both can appear in one sentence, but the focus changes slightly.
Example
저는 학생이에요. → As for me, I’m a student.
내 친구가 학생이에요. → It’s my friend who is a student.
4️⃣ Mini Practice
Fill in the blanks 👇
1️⃣ 저______ 한국 사람이에요.(I am Korean.)
2️⃣ 고양이______ 귀여워요.(As for cats, they're cute (in general))
3️⃣ 이 사람______ 의사예요.(This person is the one who is a doctor.)
4️⃣ 오늘______ 날씨가 좋아요.(The weather today is nice.)
5️⃣ 미국______ 멀어요.(The U.S. is far away.)
Answers: (1) 는 (2) 는 (3) 이 (4) 은 (5) 은
Vocabulary Check
Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
학생 | (hak-saeng) | student |
친구 | (chin-gu) | friend |
고양이 | (go-yang-i) | cat |
사람 | (sa-ram) | person |
날씨 | (nal-ssi) | weather |
의사 | (ui-sa) | doctor |
한국 | (han-guk) | Korea |
미국 | (mi-guk) | the United States |
예뻐요 | (ye-ppeo-yo) | pretty |
멀어요 | (meo-reo-yo) | far |
Summary
은/는 → Topic marker (general statement or contrast)
이/가 → Subject marker (specific focus or emphasis)
Both can appear in one sentence — choose based on focus and nuance.
Practice slowly and pay attention to how native speakers use them!
📂 Download Practice File
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📥Download your free worksheet to review “은/는 vs 이/가” with real-life examples and exercises.
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