은/는 vs 이/가 – Korean topic vs subject particle
- Meaning
- topic (as for…) vs subject (it is X that…)
- Level
- Intermediate
- Topic
- Particles
은/는 sets the topic or a contrast (“as for me…”), 이/가 points at new information or the one doing the action. Questions with 누구, 뭐, 어디 take 이/가 on the question word.
Key rules
- Self-introduction
- 'As for me'
- Topic + Subject pattern
- Focus marker
- 는 for contrast
- Self-reference
- 가 with 싶다
- Desire pattern
Examples with 은/는 vs 이/가
The highlighted part is the grammar form.
- 저는 학생이에요 Jeoneun haksaengieyo I am a student 은/는 for introducing topics. 'As for me...' = contrast/topic.
- 코끼리는 코가 길어요 Kokkirineun koga gireoyo Elephants have long noses Double subject pattern: TOPIC는 SUBJECT가 DESCRIPTION. Very common!
- 민수 씨가 왔어요 Minsu ssiga wasseoyo Minsu came (answering who came) 가 for NEW information/focus. Answering 'who' questions uses 가.
- 저는 한국어를 알아요 Jeoneun hangugeoreul arayo I know Korean When contrasting ('I do, but maybe others don't'), use 는.
- 뭐가 먹고 싶어요? Mwoga meokgo sipeoyo? What do you want to eat? -고 싶다 (want to) patterns use 가 for what is desired.
- 서울은 사람이 많아요 Seoureun sarami manayo Seoul has many people Topic은/는 + descriptive subject이/가 pattern. Describes topic's property.
- 아, 버스가 왔다! A, beoseuga watda! Oh, the bus came! 가 for discoveries/observations. Something newly noticed.
Vocabulary in these examples
는topic marker
코끼리elephant
길다long
가new info
씨Mr./Ms.
알다know
많다many
왔다plain form
Use 은/는 vs 이/가 in your own sentences
Write, fill in and build Korean sentences with instant feedback. Free to start, no account needed.
More: particles
Keep practicing: All Korean grammar Korean grammar practice Korean fill in the blank Korean sentence builder Hangul chart Daily Korean quiz