은/는
The topic marker identifies what the sentence is about - the "topic" of discussion. This is different from the subject marker 이/가, which identifies who or what is performing the action. The topic of the sentence can also be the subject.
We have a lesson explaining the difference between the subject and topic marker. You can read it here.
The topic marker has other uses:
- Refer to something mentioned earlier
- Provide emphasis (often used in other grammar points)
- Used when comparing/contrasting
Conjugation
| All Tenses | ||
|---|---|---|
| N (V) | 딸기 | 딸기는 |
| N (C) | 수박 | 수박은 |
Changes
When used with certain words Koreans often combine them together. It isn't required to do so though.
- 저 + 는 → 전
- 나 + 는 → 난
- 너 + 는 → 넌
Example Sentences
Polite
저는 이름이 서연이에요.
My name is Soyeon.
Polite
저는 한국 사람이에요.
I am Korean.