Beginner • • 10 min read

Korean Particles Guide: 은/는 vs 이/가 - A Complete Beginner's Guide

Master the fundamental difference between Korean particles 은/는 and 이/가. Learn when to use each with clear examples and practice exercises.

Understanding Korean Particles

Korean particles (조사/josa) are essential elements that show the relationship between words in a sentence. Two of the most fundamental—and often confusing—particles are 은/는 (eun/neun) and 이/가 (i/ga).

The Basic Difference

은/는 (eun/neun) - The Topic Marker

  • Used to mark the topic of the sentence
  • Indicates what you’re talking about
  • Often implies contrast with other things

이/가 (i/ga) - The Subject Marker

  • Marks the subject performing the action
  • Used for new information
  • More neutral and straightforward

When to Use Each Particle

은/는 (eun/neun) Usage

  1. For Known Information
저는 학생입니다.
(Jeoneun hagsaengimnida.)
I am a student. (When introducing yourself - you are the known topic)

이/가 (i/ga) Usage

  1. For New Information
비가 옵니다.
(Biga omnida.)
It's raining. (New information about the weather)
  1. For Emphasis
제가 할게요.
(Jega halgeyo.)
I'll do it. (Emphasizing that I will do it)

Common Patterns and Examples

Pattern 1: Introducing Yourself

제 이름은 마이클입니다.
(Je ireumeun maikeulimnida.)
My name is Michael.

Here, 은 is used because your name is the topic you’re introducing.

Pattern 2: Expressing Likes/Dislikes

저는 한국 음식이 좋아요.
(Jeoneun hanguk eumsigi joayo.)
I like Korean food.

Notice how we use 은 for “I” (known topic) and 이 for “Korean food” (new information).

Practice Exercises

Try forming sentences using these patterns:

  1. “[Your name]는/은 학생입니다.”
  2. “한국어가 재미있어요.”
  3. “저는 [food]이/가 좋아요.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Double Topic Marking ❌ 저는 영화는 좋아해요. ✅ 저는 영화가 좋아해요.

  2. Using 이/가 for Established Topics ❌ 제가 이름이 John입니다. ✅ 제 이름은 John입니다.

Quick Reference Guide

Use 은/는 when:Use 이/가 when:
Introducing a topicPresenting new information
Making contrastsEmphasizing the subject
Referring to known informationAnswering “who” or “what” questions

Practice Quiz

Test your understanding with these questions:

  1. Fill in the blank: 저___ 학생입니다. (I am a student.)
  2. Choose the correct particle: 비___오다 (It’s raining)
  3. Complete the sentence: 한국어___ 어려워요. (Korean is difficult.)

[Answer key at bottom of article]

Additional Resources

Quiz Answers

  1. 는
  2. 가
  3. 가

Remember: Practice makes perfect! Try using these particles in real conversations to build your confidence.