을/를 (eul, reul)
을/를 are Korean particles marking the object. This guide explains how to use them correctly.
When and how native speakers actually use it.
을/를 are particles that mark the object of a verb in Korean.
When to use
Marking object, Used with verbs, Questions and commands
The nuance
1. 을/를 mark the direct object of a verb. 2. Attach '을' after nouns ending with a consonant, and '를' after nouns ending with a vowel. 3. They clarify the target of an action. 4. They differ from subject markers 은/는 and 이/가. 5. Used to emphasize the object in questions or commands.
책을 읽어요.
chaek-eul ik-eo-yo., chaek eul ik eo yo.
책 ends with a vowel sound, so '를' is used to mark the object.
사과를 먹어요.
sa-gwa-reul meok-eo-yo., sa gwa reul meok eo yo.
사과 ends with a vowel, so '를' marks the object.
영화를 봅니다.
yeong-hwa-reul bop-ni-da., yeong hwa reul bop ni da.
영화 ends with a vowel, so '를' is used.
밥을 먹었어요.
bap-eul meok-eoss-eo-yo., bap eul meok eoss eo yo.
밥 ends with a consonant, so '을' marks the object.
책이 읽어요.
chaek-i ik-eo-yo., chaek i ik eo yo.
'책이' marks the subject, not the object, so it's incorrect here.
사과가 먹어요.
sa-gwa-ga meok-eo-yo., sa gwa ga meok eo yo.
'사과가' marks subject; '사과를' is correct for object.
밥를 먹었어요.
bap-reul meok-eoss-eo-yo., bap reul meok eoss eo yo.
'밥' ends with consonant, so '을' is required, not '를'.
영화를 봐요.
yeong-hwa-reul bwa-yo., yeong hwa reul bwa yo.
영화 ends with vowel, so '를' is correct.
Choose the correct object particle: '사과__ 먹어요.'
What is the correct particle in '밥__ 먹었어요.'?
Which sentence is incorrect?
