KOREAN FOUNDATIONS / 07
Your first topic marker
Use 은 and 는 to introduce what you are talking about.
BY THE END OF THIS LESSON
Choose 은 or 는 by the ending of the previous noun.
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1
What are we talking about?
은/는 can mark the topic: 저는 학생이에요, “As for me, I am a student.” This is a starting explanation; topic, contrast and subject marking need more context later.
저는 학생이에요.jeoneun haksaengieyoI am a student.
2
Vowel ending → 는
Use 는 after a noun ending in a vowel: 저 + 는 = 저는. Attach it directly to the noun, without a space.
저는jeoneunAs for me (polite I + topic marker)
3
Final consonant → 은
Use 은 after a final consonant: 책 + 은 = 책은. Changing 은 to 는 here is not a change in meaning; these are two forms selected by the preceding sound.
책은 여기 있어요.chaegeun yeogi isseoyoThe book is here.
Romanization is a reading aid, not an exact pronunciation guide. Korean device voices vary by browser.