목적격 (mok-jeok-gyeok, mokjeokgyeok) · 부사격 (bu-sa-gyeok, busagyeok)
목적격 marks the object of a verb, while 부사격 modifies verbs or adjectives as an adverbial case.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
The case marking the object of a verb, usually indicated by the particle '-을/를'.
When to use
Verb object, Action target, Directly affected noun
The nuance
Use the 목적격 particle to mark the direct object of a verb, typically the noun receiving the action.
The case that functions adverbially to modify verbs, adjectives, or entire sentences, marked by particles like '-에', '-에서', '-으로'.
When to use
Action location, Action time, Direction/means, Verb modification
The nuance
Use 부사격 particles to indicate place, time, direction, means, etc., modifying verbs or adjectives.
나는 사과를 먹었다.
na-neun sa-gwa-reul meok-eoss-da., na neun sa gwa reul meok eoss da.
'사과를' is the object of the verb, so the 목적격 '-를' is correct.
나는 사과에 먹었다.
na-neun sa-gwa-e meok-eoss-da., na neun sa gwa e meok eoss da.
'사과에' is an adverbial particle and cannot mark the object; use 목적격 '-를' instead.
학교에 갔다.
hak-gyo-e gass-da., hak gyo e gass da.
'학교에' indicates location as an adverbial case, which is correct.
학교를 갔다.
hak-gyo-reul gass-da., hak gyo reul gass da.
'학교를' is an object marker, but '가다' does not take an object, so it's incorrect.
편지를 썼다.
pyeon-ji-reul sseoss-da., pyeon ji reul sseoss da.
'편지를' is the object of the verb, so 목적격 '-를' is appropriate.
편지에 썼다.
pyeon-ji-e sseoss-da., pyeon ji e sseoss da.
'편지에' is an adverbial particle and cannot be used as an object.
버스로 학교에 갔다.
beo-seu-ro hak-gyo-e gass-da., beo seu ro hak gyo e gass da.
'버스로' indicates means, which is correctly marked with 부사격.
버스를 학교에 갔다.
beo-seu-reul hak-gyo-e gass-da., beo seu reul hak gyo e gass da.
'버스를' is an object marker but '가다' does not take an object, so it's wrong.
Which sentence correctly uses the 목적격 particle?
Which sentence correctly uses the 부사격 particle?
Which particle fits '버스' correctly?
Which sentence is incorrect?
