[Grammar] N은/는

1. Usage

"은" and "는" are topic markers in Korean. They are used to indicate the topic of a sentence and can be roughly translated as "as for" or "speaking of" in English. They are essential for emphasizing the topic or subject of a conversation.

- N은: Used after nouns ending with a consonant.

- N는: Used after nouns ending with a vowel.

 

2. Forms

N (with final consonant) + 은

N (without final consonant) + 는

 

받침 O + 은	받침 X + 는
마이클 → 마이클은	지수 → 지수는

 

  3. Examples

3.1 N은 (with final consonant)

1) 학생 (student) + 은 → 학생은 학생은 공부를 열심히 해요. (As for the student, he/she studies hard.)

2) 책 (book) + 은 → 책은 이 책은 정말 재미있어요. (As for this book, it is really interesting.)

3) 밤 (night) + 은 → 밤은 밤은 조용해요. (As for the night, it is quiet.)

4) 음식 (food) + 은 → 음식은 음식은 맛있어요. (As for the food, it is delicious.)

5) 일 (work) + 은 → 일은 일은 힘들어요. (As for work, it is hard.)

 

3.2 N는 (without final consonant)

1) 나 (I) + 는 → 나는 나는 학생이에요. (As for me, I am a student.)

2) 사과 (apple) + 는 → 사과는 사과는 빨개요. (As for apples, they are red.)

3) 학교 (school) + 는 → 학교는 학교는 커요. (As for the school, it is big.)

4) 이야기 (story) + 는 → 이야기는 이야기는 재미있어요. (As for the story, it is interesting.)

5) 여름 (summer) + 는 → 여름은 여름은 더워요. (As for summer, it is hot.)

 

4. Explanation and Context Contrast

 

"은/는" can be used to contrast two topics.

For example: 고양이는 작고, 개는 커요. (Cats are small, and dogs are big.)

 

5. General Statements

"은/는" is often used when making general statements or introducing new topics.

사과는 과일이에요. (Apples are fruits.)

 

5. Practice Sentences

책 __ 재미있어요. (As for the book, it is interesting.)

나__ 학생이에요. (As for me, I am a student.)

커피__ 맛있어요. (As for coffee, it is delicious.)

밤__ 조용해요. (As for the night, it is quiet.)

이 집 ____ 예뻐요. (As for this house, it is pretty.)