은/는
Attached to a noun to indicate the main topic of the sentence. It means 'as for' or 'regarding'. It is also used to compare or contrast two things, or to refer to an old topic already known by the speakers.
Summary
Equivalent
Topic Marker
Also: 이/가 (in some contexts)
Example
I am American. My friend is Korean.
저는 미국 사람입니다. 제 친구는 한국 사람입니다.
Grammar rules
- If the noun ends in a vowel, attach '는' (e.g., 사과는).
- If the noun ends in a consonant, attach '은' (e.g., 수박은).
- Can be attached to other particles (e.g., 에, 에서) to emphasize or contrast the location or time.
집에서는 공부를 안 해요. (At home, I don't study. - implying I study elsewhere)
Patterns
Nouns ending in a vowel
N/A · Noun + 는
Nouns ending in a consonant
N/A · Noun + 은
Example sentences
I am American. My friend is Korean.
저는 미국 사람입니다. 제 친구는 한국 사람입니다.
Bananas are delicious. However, lemons are sour.
바나나는 맛있어요. 하지만 레몬은 셔요.
As for tomorrow, it will rain.
내일은 비가 올 거예요.
Conversation
A: What is today's lunch menu?
오늘 점심 메뉴가 뭐예요?
B: It's kimchi stew. The kimchi stew is really delicious.
김치찌개예요. 김치찌개는 정말 맛있어요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct topic marker.
Introducing a friend.
Contrasting.