Korean grammar

27/5/21

Chapter Seven

What are the subject particles in the Korean language?

In the last chapter, we learned the 2 place particles and in this chapter, we are going to learn the subject particles in the Korean language. When learning any language it is very important to study the basic grammar of that particular language. And when it comes to Korean, the subject particles are very important, as they are the root of sentence creation. So, for all those people out there, who wish to learn to learn the Korean language step-by-step, these chapters would be very helpful. 

In this lesson, I'll tell you,

• What are Subject particles
• And how many are there?
• Why it is important to study
• Examples for subject particles.

Let's not waste the time, and start!

What are Subject particles? And how many are there?

In the Korean language, the subject particles, which are also known as the topic particles, are considered to the base or the root, in the process of sentence creation. At first, it seems to be a little confusing and hard to learn. But trust me, I'll make it simple for you.

Mainly, there are Four subject particles are there. They are, 
이,  가,  은,  and 는

Since there are four subject particles, to indicate the subject in a sentence, what could be the difference between them? Or where exactly are they used?

It's actually very difficult to explain the difference between these four. Even Korean language specialists or experts themselves find it difficult to explain them.  But I'll try my maximum to make it easy for you. 

Read carefully

은 and 는

은 and 는 are topic particles that are used to give emphasis to what is being talked about in the particular sentence. Or, the emphasis is given to the topic of that sentence. The person or the thing that is more important in a sentence is the topic of that sentence. The main emphasis is on the description. 

And now where should we use 은 and where should we use 는?

If the previous word ends with a vowel, then we use 는. And if the previous word ends with a consonant, then we use 은.

이 and 가

These particles give more importance or emphasis to the subject. In some situations these particles 은,는,이 and 가 are interchangeable. Even if you make a mistake, Koreans will still understand what you mean. But if you want to speak confidently in front of a gathering or in an interview panel, then you should be clear with their distinction.

Coming back to 이 and 가, where should we use them?

In the case of 이, it is used when the previous word ended with a consonant. And, we use 가, when the ending of the previous word is with a vowel.

Why it is important to study

As I said earlier, if you want to create a complete sentence, you must know the basic grammar rules. If you look at any sentences, there will be a subject for sure. So, what if you don't know which subject particle you should be using in your sentence, then everything might go wrong. And, as I said in the previous lines, that even if you don't know the correct usage of these particles, the Koreans will still get you. For a person who merely wants the simple basics to communicate with a Korean during a tour or something, then it's okay.

But if you are seriously preparing for the TOPIK exam or any other Korean language proficiency exams for higher studies and jobs, then you must be able to clearly distinguish the differences between them. And also should be able to use them correctly. 

Examples for subject particles

Let's take 이 and 가 first.

이 - 선생님이 가르치고 있습니다. (seon-saeng-nim-i ga-reu-chi-go its-seub-ni-da.) The teacher is teaching.

Here main emphasis or the subject is the teacher. And the word 선생님 (sir) ended with a consonant, 'ㅁ', so we used 이. 

가 - 여기가 학교가 아닙니다. (yeo-gi-ga hag-gyo-ga anib-ni-da). This is not a school. 

Here the main emphasis is on school. And the word 학교 (school) ended with the vowel 'ㅛ'. So we used 가.

Moving on to the next particles, 은 and 는

은 - 여동생은 학생입니다. (yeo-dong-saeng-eun hag-saeng-ib-ni-da) My sister is a student. Here the main emphasis is on 여동생 (sister). And it ended with the consonant 'ㅇ'. So we used 은.

는 - 엄머니는 의사입니다. (Eom-meo-ni-neun ui-sa-ib-ni-da) My mother is a doctor. Here the emphasis is 엄머니 (mother). And the word ended with the vowel, 'ㅣ'. So we used 는. 

I think I explained it well. If you still have any doubts or queries regarding the topic, feel free to comment below. I'll make sure to reply to you back. 

If possible, try to find more examples for all these four subject particles, and try to list them down. It will surely help you in the future. 

So, 왜 기다리고 있어?  (wae gi-da-ri-go its-eo?) Why are you waiting?

지금 시작하자. (ji-geum si-jag-ha-ja) Let's start now.