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Topic Particles 은/는

'As for ...'

은/는 mark the topic

는 after a vowel, 은 after a consonant.

💬 Examples
저는 한국 사람이에요.
jeoneun hanguk saram-ieyo.
I am Korean.
📝 는 after the vowel 저
책은 여기 있어요.
chaeg-eun yeogi isseoyo.
The book is here.
📝 은 after the consonant 책
The choice depends on the final sound

Vowel → 는, consonant → 은.

📊 Particle allomorphy
Particle After vowel After consonant
topic 는 은
subject 가 이
object 를 을
and 와 과
💬 Examples
저 → 저는
jeo → jeoneun
I → as for me
📝 Vowel ending → 는
선생님 → 선생님은
seonsaengnim → seonsaengnim-eun
teacher → as for the teacher
📝 Consonant ending → 은
Topic vs subject

은/는 set the theme or make a contrast.

💬 Examples
날씨는 좋아요.
nalssineun joayo.
The weather is nice (at least).
📝 는 can imply contrast
한국어는 재미있어요.
hangugeoneun jaemiisseoyo.
Korean (language) is fun.
📝 Topic-comment structure