Korean Topic Markers –eun (은) and –neun (는): Full Usage Guide (+ Worksheet)

The Korean topic marking particles -eun (은) and -neun (는) are attached to a noun to indicate that it is the main topic of the sentence—what the speaker is talking about.

The rule for choosing between them is simple: -eun (은) is used after a noun that ends in a consonant, and -neun (는) is used after a noun that ends in a vowel.

Mastering these particles is a fundamental step toward fluency, as they are not just grammatical flair; they are essential for setting the context of a sentence and showing contrast.

This guide will provide a complete and detailed look at these crucial particles. We will start by breaking down the core consonant vs. vowel rule with plenty of examples. We will then explore the two main functions of the topic marker: introducing a topic and showing contrast.

Most importantly, we will tackle the often-confusing difference between the topic marker (-eun/-neun) and the subject marker (-i/-ga). To ensure you feel fully prepared, this article also includes a practice worksheet to help you test and solidify your new skills.

The Golden Rule: Consonant vs. Vowel

This section is dedicated to the simple, foundational rule that determines whether you use -eun (은) or -neun (는). The choice is 100% based on the final letter of the noun it is attached to.

When to Use -neun (는): After a Vowel

If the last syllable of the noun ends in a vowel sound, you attach -neun (는).

• 저 (jeo) – I / me (formal) (ends in the vowel ㅓ) → 저는 (jeo-neun)
• 사과 (sagwa) – Apple (ends in the vowel ㅏ) → 사과는 (sagwa-neun)
• 학교 (hakgyo) – School (ends in the vowel ㅗ) → 학교는 (hakgyo-neun)

Let’s See -neun (는) in Action (8 Examples)

1. “저는 학생입니다.” (Jeo-neun haksaeng-imnida.)”I am a student.” (Topic: I)
2. “사과는 맛있어요.” (Sagwa-neun masisseoyo.)”Apples are delicious.” (Topic: Apples)
3. “오늘은 날씨가 좋아요.” (Oneur-eun nalssi-ga joayo.)Wait, 오늘 (oneul) ends in ㄹ, a consonant. This must be an example for -eun! Let’s try again.
4. “지수는 의사예요.” (Jisu-neun uisayeyo.)”Jisu is a doctor.” (Topic: Jisu)
5. “버스는 저쪽에서 타요.” (Beoseu-neun jeojjog-eseo tayo.)”The bus is caught over there.” (Topic: The bus)
6. “커피는 제가 살게요.” (Keopi-neun jega salgeyo.)”Coffee, I’ll buy it.” (Topic: Coffee)
7. “한국 드라마는 정말 재미있어요.” (Hanguk deurama-neun jeongmal jaemiisseoyo.)”Korean dramas are really fun.” (Topic: Korean dramas)
8. “여기는 도서관입니다.” (Yeogi-neun doseogwan-imnida.)”This place is a library.” (Topic: This place)

When to Use -eun (은): After a Consonant

If the last syllable of the noun ends in a consonant sound (a 받침 – batchim), you attach -eun (은). The vowel 으 (eu) acts as a bridge, making the pronunciation smooth.

• 책 (chaek) – Book (ends in the consonant ㄱ) → 책은 (chaeg-eun)
• 밥 (bap) – Rice / Meal (ends in the consonant ㅂ) → 밥은 (bab-eun)
• 사람 (saram) – Person (ends in the consonant ㅁ) → 사람은 (saram-eun)

Let’s See -eun (은) in Action (8 Examples)

1. “이 책은 아주 재미있어요.” (I chaeg-eun aju jaemiisseoyo.)”This book is very interesting.” (Topic: This book)
2. “선생님은 한국 사람입니다.” (Seonsaengnim-eun hanguk saram-imnida.)”The teacher is a Korean person.” (Topic: The teacher)
3. “오늘은 날씨가 좋네요.” (Oneur-eun nalssi-ga jonneyo.)”As for today, the weather is nice.” (Topic: Today)
4. “점심은 뭐 먹을까요?” (Jeomsim-eun mwo meogeulkkayo?)”As for lunch, what shall we eat?” (Topic: Lunch)
5. “한국말은 조금 어려워요.” (Hangungmar-eun jogeum eoryeowoyo.)”The Korean language is a little difficult.” (Topic: The Korean language)
6. “이것은 제 가방입니다.” (Igeos-eun je gabang-imnida.)”This is my bag.” (Topic: This)
7. “그 사람은 제 친구예요.” (Geu saram-eun je chingu-yeyo.)”That person is my friend.” (Topic: That person)
8. “집은 역에서 가까워요.” (Jib-eun yeog-eseo gakkawoyo.)”The house is close to the station.” (Topic: The house)

The Role of the Topic Marker: “As for…” or “Speaking of…”

Now that we know which particle to use, let’s explore its main function. The primary job of -eun / -neun is to introduce or establish the main topic of a sentence or a conversation. It’s like saying, “Hey, let’s talk about this now.”

Think of it as placing a topic on the table for discussion. Everything else that follows in the sentence is a description or comment about that topic.

Function 1: Introducing a Topic

This is the most straightforward use. You are simply stating a fact or a description about the noun marked with -eun / -neun.

Let’s See It in Action (8 Examples)

1. “코끼리는 코가 길어요.” (Kokkiri-neun ko-ga gireoyo.)”Elephants have long noses.” (Topic: Elephants. Comment: Their noses are long.)
2. “제 이름은 김민준입니다.” (Je ireum-eun Gim Minjun-imnida.)”My name is Kim Minjun.” (Topic: My name. Comment: It is Kim Minjun.)
3. “저는 스무 살입니다.” (Jeo-neun seumu sar-imnida.)”I am twenty years old.” (Topic: I. Comment: Am twenty years old.)
4. “여름은 덥고 겨울은 추워요.” (Yeoreum-eun deopgo gyeour-eun chuwoyo.)”Summer is hot, and winter is cold.” (Two topics are introduced and described).
5. “이 건물은 아주 높아요.” (I geonmur-eun aju nopayo.)”This building is very tall.” (Topic: This building. Comment: It’s very tall.)
6. “한국의 수도는 서울입니다.” (Hangugui sudo-neun Seoul-imnida.)”The capital of Korea is Seoul.” (Topic: The capital of Korea. Comment: It is Seoul.)
7. “그 가게는 아침 9시에 열어요.” (Geu gage-neun achim ahop si-e yeoreoyo.)”That store opens at 9 AM.” (Topic: That store. Comment: It opens at 9 AM.)
8. “토마토는 과일이에요.” (Tomato-neun gwair-ieyo.)”Tomatoes are fruit.” (Topic: Tomatoes. Comment: They are fruit.)

Function 2: Showing Contrast

This is a more nuanced and powerful function of the topic marker. When used in the middle of a conversation, -eun / -neun can create a sense of contrast between the noun it’s attached to and something else that was previously mentioned or is implied.

Imagine someone asks, “Do you like sports?” You could answer:

“축구는 좋아하는데, 야구는 별로 안 좋아해요.” (Chukgu-neun joahaneunde, yagu-neun byeollo an joahaeyo.)”Soccer I like, but baseball I don’t really like.”

Here, -neun is used to highlight the difference between soccer and baseball. It’s not just a topic; it’s a comparison.

Let’s See It in Action (8 Examples)

1. A: “사과 좋아해요?” (Sagwa joahaeyo?) – “Do you like apples?”
   B: “네, 사과는 좋아해요. 그런데 배는 안 좋아해요.” (Ne, sagwa-neun joahaeyo. Geureonde bae-neun an joahaeyo.)”Yes, apples I like. But pears I don’t like.” (Contrast between apples and pears).
2. A: “민준 씨는 키가 커요?” (Minjun ssi-neun kiga keoyo?) – “Is Minjun tall?”
   B: “아니요, 키는 안 커요. 그렇지만 힘은 아주 세요.” (Aniyo, ki-neun an keoyo. Geureochiman him-eun aju seyo.)”No, his height isn’t tall. But his strength is very impressive.” (Contrast between height and strength).
3. A: “어제 바빴어요?” (Eoje bappasseoyo?) – “Were you busy yesterday?”
   B: “어제는 안 바빴는데, 오늘은 정말 바빠요.” (Eoje-neun an bappanneunde, oneur-eun jeongmal bappayo.)”Yesterday I wasn’t busy, but today I’m really busy.” (Contrast between yesterday and today).
4. “저는 다른 음식은 다 잘 먹는데, 오이는 못 먹어요.” (Jeoneun dareun eumsig-eun da jal meongneunde, oi-neun mot meogeoyo.)”Other foods I eat well, but cucumbers I can’t eat.” (Contrast between other foods and cucumbers).
5. A: “이 가방 비싸요?” (I gabang bissayo?) – “Is this bag expensive?”
   B: “가격은 싼데, 디자인은 별로예요.” (Gagyeog-eun ssande, dijain-eun byeollo-yeyo.)”The price is cheap, but the design is not very good.” (Contrast between price and design).
6. “형은 공부를 잘하는데, 저는 운동을 잘해요.” (Hyeong-eun gongbu-reul jalhaneunde, jeo-neun undong-eul jalhaeyo.)”My older brother is good at studying, but I am good at sports.” (Contrast between brother and self).
7. A: “오늘 날씨 어때요?” (Oneul nalssi eottaeyo?) – “How’s the weather today?”
   B: “바람은 많이 부는데, 춥지는 않아요.” (Baram-eun mani buneunde, chupji-neun anayo.)”The wind is blowing a lot, but it’s not cold.” (Contrast between wind and temperature).
8. “이 식당은 서비스는 좋은데 음식 맛은 보통이에요.” (I sikdang-eun seobiseu-neun joeunde eumsik mas-eun botong-ieyo.)”This restaurant’s service is good, but the food’s taste is average.” (Contrast between service and taste).

The Big Question: Topic Marker -eun/-neun vs. Subject Marker -i/-ga

This is one of the most challenging concepts for new learners. While both particles can often be attached to the subject of a sentence, their function and nuance are different.

A Simple Guideline

• -eun / -neun (Topic Marker):
  • Function: Introduces a general topic or shows contrast.
  • Nuance: “As for X…” or “Speaking of X…”
  • When to Use: Use it for general statements, introducing yourself, or when comparing things.
  • “코끼리는 코가 길어요.” (Elephants have long noses.) – A general fact about elephants.
• -i / -ga (Subject Marker):
  • Function: Identifies the specific subject who performs the action or is described. It answers the question “Who?” or “What?”
  • Nuance: Points out specific, new information.
  • When to Use: Use it to introduce new information, answer a ” who/what ” question, or in complex sentences to mark a sub-clause’s subject.
  • “코끼리가 물을 마셔요.” (An elephant is drinking water.) – Identifies the specific elephant that is performing the action.

Let’s See Them in a Story (8 Examples of the Difference)

Imagine we are telling a story.

1. Setting the Scene (Topic):“옛날 옛적에 한 소녀는 살고 있었어요.” (Yennal yetjeog-e han sonyeo-neun salgo isseosseoyo.)
   “Once upon a time, there lived a girl.” (We introduce the girl as our main topic).
2. Identifying a Characteristic (Subject):“그 소녀는 마음씨가 아주 착했어요.” (Geu sonyeo-neun ma-eumssi-ga aju chakhaesseoyo.)
   “That girl’s heart was very kind.” (마음씨가 is the subject of “was kind”).
3. Introducing New Information (Subject):“어느 날, 늑대가 나타났어요.” (Eoneu nal, neukdae-ga natanasseoyo.)
   “One day, a wolf appeared.” (The wolf is new information, so it’s marked with -가).
4. Commenting on the New Information (Topic):“그 늑대는 아주 배가 고팠어요.” (Geu neukdae-neun aju baega gopasseoyo.)
   “That wolf was very hungry.” (Now that we know about the wolf, it becomes the topic).
5. Answering “Who?”:A: “누가 창문을 깼어요?” (Nuga changmun-eul kkaesseoyo?) – “Who broke the window?”
   B: “민준이가 깼어요.” (Minjun-iga kkaesseoyo.) – “Minjun broke it.” (-가 is used because it answers “who?”).
6. A General Statement vs. a Specific Statement:“사과는 맛있어요.” (Sagwa-neun masisseoyo.) – “Apples (in general) are delicious.”
   “이 사과가 맛있어요.” (I sagwa-ga masisseoyo.) – “This (specific) apple is delicious.”
7. Weather Report:“오늘은 (Topic) 날씨가 (Subject) 좋아요.” (Oneur-eun nalssi-ga joayo.)
   “As for today (Topic), the weather (Subject) is good.” (The main topic is today, and the subject being described is the weather).
8. Contrasting Subjects:“저는 학생인데, 제 동생은 의사예요.” (Jeo-neun haksaeng-inde, je dongsaeng-eun uisayeyo.)
   “I am a student, but my younger sibling is a doctor.” (Topic/contrast).

Let’s Practice! Your Topic Particle Worksheet

Now it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Use these exercises to test your ability to choose the right particle and understand its function.

Exercise 1: -eun (은) or -neun (는)?

Choose the correct topic particle for each noun.

1. 컴퓨터 (keompyuteo) – Computer: 컴퓨터은 / 컴퓨터는
2. 사람 (saram) – Person: 사람은 / 사람은
3. 바나나 (banana) – Banana: 바나나은 / 바나나는
4. 수박 (subak) – Watermelon: 수박은 / 수박는
5. 한국 (Hanguk) – Korea: 한국은 / 한국는

(Answers: 1. 는, 2. 은, 3. 는, 4. 은, 5. 은)

Exercise 2: Topic or Subject? -eun/-neun or -i/-ga?

Choose the most natural particle for the blank in each sentence.

1. A: “누가 왔어요?” (Who came?)
   B: “수지____ 왔어요.” (Suji came.)
2. “저는 학생이에요. 그리고 제 동생____ 의사예요.” (I am a student. And my younger sibling is a doctor.) [Hint: Contrast]
3. “하늘____ 파래요.” (The sky is blue.) [Hint: General statement]
4. “갑자기 비____ 와요.” (Suddenly, rain is falling.) [Hint: New information]

(Answers: 1. 가, 2. 은, 3. 은, 4. 가)

Exercise 3: Building Sentences

Combine the words to form a full, grammatically correct sentence, choosing the correct topic particle.

1. 나 / 학생 / 이다 (I / student / to be)________________________.
2. 이 책 / 재미있다 (This book / to be interesting)________________________.
3. 날씨 / 좋다 (The weather / to be good)________________________.

(Example Answers):

1. 저는 학생입니다. (Jeo-neun haksaeng-imnida.)
2. 이 책은 재미있어요. (I chaeg-eun jaemiisseoyo.)
3. 날씨는 좋아요. (Nalssi-neun joayo.) (Or, more naturally in a broader context: 오늘 날씨가 좋아요 – Today’s weather is good).

Conclusion

You have now taken a deep dive into the Korean topic marking particles -eun (은) and -neun (는). You know the simple rule that governs their use: -eun for consonants and -neun for vowels.

More importantly, you understand their dual role of introducing a general topic and creating contrast. You have also tackled the critical difference between the topic markers and the subject markers -i/-ga, a huge step in making your Korean sound more nuanced and natural.

What was the most helpful part of this guide for you? Is the difference between the topic and subject particle clearer now? Try creating your own sentence that shows contrast using -eun/-neun in the comments below.