Topic and Subject Particles · 은/는, 이/가

5. Summary

• 은/는 marks the topic, and 이/가 marks the subject. Attach them directly to the noun with no space.
• After a consonant use 은 or 이, as in 책은 and 책이. After a vowel use 는 or 가, as in 친구는 and 친구가.
• Use 은/는 for known things, introductions, facts and contrast. 커피는 좋아해요 means coffee, but maybe not other things.
• Use 이/가 for new information, answers to who or what, 있다 and 없다, and descriptions.
• The special forms are 저는 / 제가, 나는 / 내가 and 누가. Never say 저가.
• Before 아니다, use 이/가: 학생이 아니에요.
• Next lesson: Object Particle (을/를).