N+은/는

Usage

• We add -는 after a word that ends in a vowel.
• We add -은 after a word that ends with a consonant.

Evocation

The 은/는 particle can also be used to refer to something mentioned earlier in the conversation or to evoke something already known by both sides in the conversation.

Comparison

The 은/는 particle is used to express comparison or contrast. In this case, it can attached to more than just subjects.

• 저는 솨과를 좋아해요. 배는 싫어해요.

  I like apples. However, I dislike pears.

Emphasis

The particle 은/는 is also used to emphasize on something.

• 우리에게도 문제는 있다.

  We also have a problem.

Formal language

When using formal language, we use the particle 께서는 (께서 + 은/는). Unlike the 은/는 particle, the 께서는 particle does not change depending on whether the preceding word ends in a vowel or a consonant.

Spoken language

When spoken, the 는 particle is sometimes replaced by ㄴ, this is a contraction.

• 글쎄, 전 잘 모르겠어요.

  Well, I am not sure.

• 오빤 가끔 바보처럼 굴거든.

  He sometimes acts like a fool.

Note that these particles can sometimes be dropped in practice and we assume the audience is smart enough to understand the context.

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