Null subjects
Explanation
If the subject is obvious, omit it: 먹었어요? can mean “Did you eat?”
Keep 저/저는 for self-intro, contrast, or ambiguity: 저는 안 가요.
Topic 은/는 often appears when contrast matters more than pure subject marking.
Balance: Korean is not “always drop” or “always keep 저.”
This page focuses on “Null subjects.” Read for meaning first, then re-read looking only at formality and particle choice — those two details decide whether you sound natural.
After the explanation, study the worked examples and the common mistakes. Then take the one-question check so you know you did not only skim.
Connect this page to nearby Chamelingo lessons and tools. Isolated tips do not stick; a graph of vocabulary + grammar + speaking does. Use the related links at the bottom to keep walking the graph.
When you can explain “Null subjects” in one plain English sentence and produce one new Korean example without looking, you are ready to move on — then review again within 24 hours.
Examples
이 표현을 문장에서 써 보세요.
Practice putting “Null subjects” into a full polite sentence.
비슷한 말과 비교해서 말해 보세요.
Say a near-miss pair out loud and notice the meaning shift.
오늘 배운 걸 한 번 더 복습해요.
Review once more today so the pattern sticks.
Common mistakes
- Never saying 저 in a first meeting intro.
- Saying 저 every clause forever when context is clear.
How to practice
- Level: elementary–friendly explanation; still re-check formality with a native conversation partner when stakes are high.
- Say every example out loud, then change one slot (place, time, or person) to force production — not only recognition.
- After reading, open Chamelingo and recycle the same pattern in a lesson or speaking practice so it enters long-term memory.
Check yourself
Question 1 of 1
What should you do after studying “Null subjects”?
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