은/는 vs 이/가
Practice hookContrast quizPick the right form in a mini quiz.Open →Förklaring
은/는 marks the topic. What you are talking about, often known information or contrast: 저는 학생이에요.
이/가 marks the grammatical subject, often new information or focus: 누가 왔어요? → 친구가 왔어요.
Batchim → 은 / 이; open syllable → 는 / 가. The choice is meaning, not “which is more polite.”
Same noun, different jobs: 고양이는 귀여워요 (as for cats…) vs 고양이가 있어요 (there is a cat / a cat exists).
If you are answering “who/what did it?”, start with 이/가. If you are setting a theme or contrasting, 은/는 is usually right.
This page focuses on “은/는 vs 이/가.” 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 “은/는 vs 이/가” 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.
Exempel
저는 커피를 좋아해요.
As for me, I like coffee. (topic)
친구가 왔어요.
A friend came. (subject focus)
오늘은 시간이 없어요.
As for today, I don’t have time.
Vanliga misstag
- Treating 은/는 and 이/가 as free swaps.
- Always using 은/는 because self-intros start with 저는.
Så övar du
- Level: beginner-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.
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