와/과 (wa, gwa)
와/과 are Korean conjunctive particles used to connect nouns. Essential for natural sentence flow.
When and how native speakers actually use it.
Conjunctive particles that connect nouns
When to use
Connecting nouns, Listing items, Contrast expression
The nuance
와/과 are conjunctive particles used to connect nouns. Attach '와' after nouns without a final consonant (batchim) and '과' after nouns with a final consonant. For example, '사과와 바나나' (apple and banana), '책과 연필' (book and pencil). They function like 'and' to naturally link two or more nouns.
사과와 바나나를 샀어요.
sa-gwa-wa ba-na-na-reul sass-eo-yo., sa gwa wa ba na na reul sass eo yo.
'사과' has no final consonant, so use '와'.
책과 연필을 준비하세요.
chaek-gwa yeon-pil-eul jun-bi-ha-se-yo., chaek gwa yeon pil eul jun bi ha se yo.
'책' has a final consonant, so use '과'.
의자와 책상을 정리했어요.
ui-ja-wa chaek-sang-eul jeong-ri-haess-eo-yo., ui ja wa chaek sang eul jeong ri haess eo yo.
'의자' has no final consonant, so '와'; '책상' has final consonant, so '과'.
친구와 가족과 함께 갔어요.
chin-gu-wa ga-jok-gwa ham-kke gass-eo-yo., chin gu wa ga jok gwa ham kke gass eo yo.
Each noun uses the correct particle for natural listing.
사과과 바나나를 샀어요.
sa-gwa-gwa ba-na-na-reul sass-eo-yo., sa gwa gwa ba na na reul sass eo yo.
'사과' has no final consonant, so '과' is incorrect; use '와'.
책와 연필을 준비하세요.
chaek-wa yeon-pil-eul jun-bi-ha-se-yo., chaek wa yeon pil eul jun bi ha se yo.
'책' has a final consonant, so '와' is incorrect; use '과'.
Which particle attaches after a noun with a final consonant?
What's the correct way to connect '사과' and '바나나'?
Which sentence is correct?
