🎯 Korean Particles Made Simple: -이/가, -은/는, -을/를 Explained

Published Nov 2, 2025 • Beginner grammar · EEAT-optimized

🎯 Korean Particles Made Simple: -이/가, -은/는, -을/를 Explained

Particles are small but powerful pieces in Korean sentences. They show who the subject is, what the topic is, and what the object is.

This guide explains 3 must-know particles for beginners — -이/가, -은/는, -을/를 — with easy rules and real examples.

이/가, 은/는, 을/를은 한국어 문장의 기본 구조를 만드는 핵심 조사입니다.

📑 Table of Contents (open/close)

1. Particle Overview
2. Subject Marker -이/가
3. Topic Marker -은/는
4. Object Marker -을/를
5. Quick Comparison Table
6. Common Mistakes & Fixes
7. Mini Practice
8. Quick FAQ

1) Particle Overview

Particle	Function	Example
-이/가	Marks the subject	고양이가 예뻐요. (The cat is cute.)
-은/는	Marks the topic / contrast	저는 학생이에요. (As for me, I’m a student.)
-을/를	Marks the object	책을 읽어요. (I read a book.)

2) Subject Marker -이/가

• Used to point out **who/what does the action**
• 이 after consonant, 가 after vowel

민수가 와요. (Minsu is coming.)

학교가 커요. (The school is big.)

3) Topic Marker -은/는

• Shows **what the sentence is about**
• Often used when introducing or contrasting

저는 한국어를 공부해요. (As for me, I study Korean.)

커피는 좋아해요, 차는 안 좋아해요.

4) Object Marker -을/를

• Marks **the thing receiving the action**
• 을 after consonant, 를 after vowel

영화를 봐요. (I watch a movie.)

사과를 먹어요. (I eat an apple.)

5) Quick Comparison

Function	Particle	Example
Who/What acts?	-이/가	학생이 와요.
What are we talking about?	-은/는	학생은 친절해요.
What receives the action?	-을/를	학생을 봐요.

6) Common Mistakes & Fixes

• 🚫 “저가 학생이에요” → ✔️ “저는 학생이에요” (topic, not subject)
• 🚫 “사과가 먹어요” → ✔️ “사과를 먹어요” (object, not subject)
• 🚫 “책는 있어요” → ✔️ “책은 있어요” (topic marker)

Tip: If it’s the object of the verb → use 을/를.

7) Mini Practice

Fill in the blanks:

1. 저___ 학생이에요.
2. 물을 마셔요 → 물___ 마셔요.
3. 친구___ 와요.

Answers: 는 / 을 / 가

8) Quick FAQ

Q. Do I always need particles?
✅ In spoken Korean, sometimes dropped, but **beginners should use them**.

Q. 은/는 vs 이/가 — what’s the real difference?
📌 이/가 = fact / identity. 은/는 = topic / contrast / emphasis.

Q. Which one should I master first?
🎯 Learn 이/가 + 을/를 first → then 은/는.