이/가 (i, ga)
이/가 are Korean subject markers that clarify the subject of a sentence.
When and how native speakers actually use it.
Subject markers that indicate the subject in a sentence, clarifying who or what performs the action.
When to use
Marking subject, Introducing new info, Emphasis, Contrast
The nuance
1. Attach 이/가 after a noun to mark the subject. 2. Use '이' if the noun ends with a consonant, '가' if it ends with a vowel. 3. Used mainly for new information or emphasis. 4. Used when the subject is unclear or to contrast subjects.
책이 재미있어요.
chaek-i jae-mi-iss-eo-yo., chaek i jae mi iss eo yo.
'책' ends with a consonant, so '이' is used to mark the subject.
사과가 맛있어요.
sa-gwa-ga mas-iss-eo-yo., sa gwa ga mas iss eo yo.
'사과' ends with a vowel, so '가' is used to mark the subject.
나는 학생이야.
na-neun hak-saeng-i-ya., na neun hak saeng i ya.
'나' uses topic marker '는' for the subject; '이/가' is not used here.
고양이가 집에 있어요.
go-yang-i-ga jip-e iss-eo-yo., go yang i ga jip e iss eo yo.
'고양이' ends with a vowel, so '가' is used to mark the subject.
친구가 왔어요.
chin-gu-ga wass-eo-yo., chin gu ga wass eo yo.
'친구' ends with a vowel, so '가' is used to mark the subject.
영화이 재미있어요.
yeong-hwa-i jae-mi-iss-eo-yo., yeong hwa i jae mi iss eo yo.
'영화' ends with a vowel, so '가' must be used, not '이'.
나무가 크다.
na-mu-ga keu-da., na mu ga keu da.
'나무' ends with a vowel, so '가' is used to mark the subject.
사람이 많아요.
sa-ram-i man-a-yo., sa ram i man a yo.
'사람' ends with a consonant, so '이' is used to mark the subject.
Which particle do you use when the subject noun ends with a consonant?
Which is the correct subject marker in this sentence: '사과__ 맛있어요.'?
What is the main function of the 이/가 particles?
