은/는 vs 이/가 – Key Differences and Usage in Korean

If you’re learning Korean, you’ve probably seen 은/는 and 이/가 used in similar sentences. While both are subject markers, they have different meanings and functions. Understanding when to use each will help you sound more natural in Korean conversations.

1. “은/는” – Topic Marker

은/는 is used to introduce or emphasize the topic of a sentence. It often sets the stage for what the sentence is about and can imply contrast or general statements.

Examples of “은/는” in Sentences

1. 저는 학생이에요. (Jeoneun haksaeng-ieyo.)

   • “I am a student.”
   • The focus is on the fact that I am a student.

2. 이 책은 재미있어요. (I chaekeun jaemiisseoyo.)

   • “This book is interesting.”
   • This sentence introduces the book as the topic of discussion.

3. 강아지는 귀여워요. (Gangajineun gwiyeowoyo.)

   • “Puppies are cute.”
   • This makes a general statement about puppies.

💡 Tip: Use 은/는 when making general statements or contrasting topics.

2. “이/가” – Subject Marker

이/가 is used to emphasize the subject performing an action or to introduce new information.

Examples of “이/가” in Sentences

1. 누가 왔어요? → 지수가 왔어요. (Nuga wasseoyo? → Jisuga wasseoyo.)

   • “Who came? → Jisoo came.”
   • 이/가 is used because we are identifying who arrived.

2. 고양이가 창문 앞에 있어요. (Goyangiga changmun ape isseoyo.)

   • “The cat is in front of the window.”
   • 이/가 highlights the subject (the cat) performing the action (being in front of the window).

3. 이 영화가 재미있어요. (I yeonghwaga jaemiisseoyo.)

   • “This movie is interesting.”
   • The focus is on the fact that this specific movie is interesting.

💡 Tip: Use 이/가 when introducing new information or emphasizing the subject itself.

3. Comparison Using the Same Sentence

Let’s compare 은/는 and 이/가 using the same phrase:

1. 사과는 맛있어요. (Sagwaneun masisseoyo.)

   • “Apples are delicious.”
   • 은/는 is used to make a general statement about apples.

2. 이 사과가 맛있어요. (I sagwaga masisseoyo.)

   • “This apple is delicious.”
   • 이/가 is used to specifically emphasize that this apple is delicious.

3. 이 사과는 맛있어요. (I sagwaneun masisseoyo.)

   • “As for this apple, it is delicious.”
   • 은/는 suggests a contrast, possibly implying that other apples are not as delicious.

💡 Key Difference:

• 은/는 makes general statements or introduces topics.
• 이/가 highlights specific subjects or introduces new information.

4. 은/는 vs. 이/가 in Questions

The choice between 은/는 and 이/가 in questions can change the nuance of what is being asked.

1. 누가 왔어요? (Nuga wasseoyo?)

   • “Who came?”
   • Since the subject is unknown, 이/가 is used.

2. 지수는 왔어요? (Jisuneun wasseoyo?)

   • “Did Jisoo come?”
   • 은/는 is used because the speaker already knows the topic (Jisoo) and is just confirming.

3. 무엇이 문제예요? (Mueosi munje-eyo?)

   • “What is the problem?”
   • The problem is unknown, so 이/가 is used.

4. 이 시험은 어려워요? (I siheomeun eoryeowoyo?)

   • “Is this exam difficult?”
   • The exam is already a known topic, so 은/는 is used.

💡 Tip:

• Use 이/가 when asking about something unknown.
• Use 은/는 when the topic is already known and you’re asking for more details.

5. Final Thoughts

Mastering 은/는 vs. 이/가 takes practice, but understanding their core differences will improve your Korean fluency.

1. Use 은/는 when making general statements, introducing a topic, or showing contrast.
2. Use 이/가 when emphasizing the subject, introducing new information, or answering “who/what” questions.

By practicing these rules in conversations, you’ll quickly develop an instinct for choosing the correct marker. Try using 은/는 and 이/가 correctly in your own Korean sentences today!