Korean Particles Explained
Particles are the glue of Korean sentences. They attach to nouns and tell you the role each noun plays — whether it's the topic, the subject, or the object. Getting particles right is the single biggest step toward natural-sounding Korean.
은/는 — The Topic Marker
Use 은 after a consonant and 는 after a vowel. The topic marker says "as for this thing, let me tell you about it."
| Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| 저는 학생이에요 | I am a student | jeo-neun hak-saeng-i-e-yo |
| 이것은 책이에요 | This is a book | i-geo-seun chaek-i-e-yo |
The topic marker often implies contrast: "As for me (unlike others), I am a student."
Learn more about 은/는 with interactive examples →
이/가 — The Subject Marker
Use 이 after a consonant and 가 after a vowel. The subject marker introduces new information or answers "who/what."
| Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| 책이 있어요 | There is a book | chaek-i i-sseo-yo |
| 커피가 맛있어요 | The coffee is delicious | keo-pi-ga ma-si-sseo-yo |
When someone asks "Who is a student?" you'd answer with 이/가: 저가 학생이에요.
Learn more about 이/가 and existence verbs →
을/를 — The Object Marker
Use 을 after a consonant and 를 after a vowel. The object marker tells you what the action is being done to.
| Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| 밥을 먹어요 | I eat rice | bab-eul meo-geo-yo |
| 커피를 마셔요 | I drink coffee | keo-pi-reul ma-syeo-yo |
Learn more about 을/를 with interactive examples →
How to Choose Between 은/는 and 이/가
This is one of the most asked questions in Korean learning. Here's a practical rule:
- 은/는 — Use when the noun is already known or you're changing the topic
- 이/가 — Use when introducing new information or emphasizing who/what
Example dialogue:
A: 뭐가 맛있어요? (What is delicious?) — asking for new info, uses 가 B: 비빔밥이 맛있어요. (Bibimbap is delicious.) — answering with new info, uses 이 B: 비빔밥은 매워요. (As for bibimbap, it's spicy.) — adding info about known topic, uses 은
Practice on Chamelingo
Chamelingo covers all three particle types across Units 1-5 of our structured beginner curriculum. Each grammar point has interactive exercises where you practice choosing the right particle in context.