What it means
-은 (after consonant) / -는 (after vowel) marks the topic of the sentence — what the sentence is ABOUT. It's one of the most important grammar points in Korean.
Nuance & when to use
Topic marker 은/는 ≠ Subject marker 이/가. The topic marker 은/는 implies contrast or emphasis: "as for X..." or "speaking of X..." Korean sentences almost always have a topic marker. E.g., 저는 학생이에요 = As for me, I'm a student.
⚠ Common mistake
Don't confuse topic (은/는) with subject (이/가). 저는 한국 사람이에요 (I, as for me, am Korean). 제가 했어요 (I specifically was the one who did it).
Example sentences
See also
FAQ
When is this used?
Topic marker 은/는 ≠ Subject marker 이/가. The topic marker 은/는 implies contrast or emphasis: "as for X..." or "speaking of X..." Korean sentences almost always have a topic marker. E.g., 저는 학생이에요 = As for me, I'm a student.
What's a common mistake?
Don't confuse topic (은/는) with subject (이/가). 저는 한국 사람이에요 (I, as for me, am Korean). 제가 했어요 (I specifically was the one who did it).
Ready to learn more Korean?
Get one free Korean lesson every day — straight to your inbox.
Get Daily Korean Free →Free forever · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime