관형격 (gwan-hyeong-gyeok, gwanhyeonggyeok) · 보어격 (bo-eo-gyeok, boeogyeok)
관형격 modifies nouns directly, while 보어격 explains the state or identity of the subject or object in a sentence.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A case particle that modifies a noun, usually placed before the noun to describe its quality or state
When to use
modifying noun, expressing possession, expressing quantity
The nuance
The 관형격 particle must directly modify the noun it precedes, indicating possession, quantity, or attributes
A case particle that explains the state, identity, or attribute of the subject or object, usually linked to the predicate
When to use
explaining subject state, explaining object identity, linking predicate
The nuance
The 보어격 particle follows the subject or object and explains their state or identity, typically used with predicates
철수의 책이 재미있다. ⭕
cheol-su-ui chaek-i jae-mi-iss-da. ⭕, cheol su ui chaek i jae mi iss da. ⭕
'의' is a 관형격 particle indicating '철수' owns '책', modifying the noun properly.
철수가 학생이다. ⭕
cheol-su-ga hak-saeng-i-da. ⭕, cheol su ga hak saeng i da. ⭕
'가' is a 보어격 particle explaining the subject '철수's identity as '학생'.
나는 사과의 맛을 좋아한다. ⭕
na-neun sa-gwa-ui mas-eul joh-a-han-da. ⭕, na neun sa gwa ui mas eul joh a han da. ⭕
'의' is a 관형격 particle showing possession of '맛' by '사과', modifying the noun.
나는 학생의 공부를 한다. ❌
na-neun hak-saeng-ui gong-bu-reul han-da. ❌, na neun hak saeng ui gong bu reul han da. ❌
'학생의 공부' is unnatural; when '학생' is subject, 보어격 should be used.
그 사람은 의사이다. ⭕
geu sa-ram-eun ui-sa-i-da. ⭕, geu sa ram eun ui sa i da. ⭕
'은' is a 보어격 particle explaining the subject '그 사람's identity as '의사'.
그 사람의 직업은 의사이다. ⭕
geu sa-ram-ui jik-eop-eun ui-sa-i-da. ⭕, geu sa ram ui jik eop eun ui sa i da. ⭕
'의' is a 관형격 particle indicating possession of '직업' by '그 사람'.
나는 책이 재미있다. ❌
na-neun chaek-i jae-mi-iss-da. ❌, na neun chaek i jae mi iss da. ❌
'책이' cannot be used as an object with 보어격; the sentence is awkward.
책의 내용이 중요하다. ⭕
chaek-ui nae-yong-i jung-yo-ha-da. ⭕, chaek ui nae yong i jung yo ha da. ⭕
'의' is a 관형격 particle showing possession of '내용' by '책'.
Which sentence correctly uses the 관형격 particle?
Which sentence correctly uses the 보어격 particle?
In which sentence is '의' not correctly used?
