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은Korean particle · TOPIK 1

eun

TOPIK 1 1급Particles 조사contrast 대조3 senses

One particle with 3 distinct uses in the dictionary. Each is below with its own usage rule and examples.

형태Forms

은는ㄴ

Which one you use is decided by what comes in front of it — see the usage rule under each meaning below.

A postpositional particle used to indicate that a certain subject contrasts with something else.

어떤 대상이 다른 것과 대조됨을 나타내는 조사.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after nouns and adverbials ending in a consonant (and similar forms).

받침 있는 명사나 부사어 등의 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

동생은 부산에 살고 나는 서울에 살고 있다.

My younger sibling lives in Busan, but I live in Seoul.

나는 찌개는 못 끓이는데 볶음밥은 잘 만들어.

I can't cook stew, but I'm good at making fried rice.

오늘은 더웠지만 내일은 비가 온다고 한다.

Today was hot, but they say it will rain tomorrow.

대화In conversation

네가 물품 구매를 맡을래?

Will you take charge of purchasing the items?

그래. 다른 일은 못해도 물건 사는 일은 자신 있어.

Sure. I may not be good at other things, but I'm confident when it comes to buying things.

A postpositional particle used to indicate that a certain subject is the topic of a sentence.

문장 속에서 어떤 대상이 화제임을 나타내는 조사.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after nouns ending in a consonant.

받침 있는 명사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

어제 먹은 저녁상은 나 혼자서 다 차린 거야.

The dinner table we had yesterday was all prepared by me alone.

이번 어머니 생신은 동생과 내가 준비하기로 했다.

This time, my younger sibling and I decided to prepare for Mother's birthday.

도서관은 지수와 내가 처음 만난 장소이다.

The library is the place where Jisu and I first met.

대화In conversation

저기 보이는 목욕탕이 이 동네에서 제일 큰 목욕탕이지?

That bathhouse over there is the biggest one in this neighborhood, right?

응, 저 목욕탕은 주말마다 어머니와 내가 가는 곳이기도 해.

Yeah, that bathhouse is also a place where my mother and I go every weekend.

A postpositional particle used to indicate an emphasis.

강조의 뜻을 나타내는 조사.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after nouns, adverbials and connective endings ending in a consonant (and similar forms).

받침 있는 명사나 부사어, 연결 어미 등의 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

바쁘더라도 아침은 꼭 챙겨 먹어.

Even if you're busy, make sure to eat breakfast.

내일은 꼭 담배를 피우지 않을 거야.

Tomorrow, I will definitely not smoke.

배탈이 났으니 차가운 음식은 드시지 마세요.

Since you have an upset stomach, please don't eat cold food.

대화In conversation

열심히 공부하고 있으니 올해는 꼭 시험에 합격하게 될 거야.

I'm studying hard, so I'm sure I'll pass the exam this year.

그렇게 되기만 하면은 참 좋을 텐데.

If only that would happen, it would be really great.

관련 문법Related grammar

Other particles you will meet alongside this one.

과 gwa 와 A postpositional word used to indicate the subject of comparison or the object that serves as a basis. TOPIK 1 까지 kkaji A postpositional particle referring to the end of a certain range. TOPIK 1 께서 kkeseo (honorific) '가,' '이'; a postpositional particle used to indicate that the subject of an act is elevated. TOPIK 1 도 do A postpositional particle used to indicate an addition or inclusion of another thing to something that already exists. TOPIK 1 만 man A postpositional particle used when limiting the field to one thing, excluding all the others. TOPIK 1 보다 boda A postpositional particle that indicates the subject of a comparison when comparing different things. TOPIK 1

자주 묻는 질문Common questions

What does 은 mean in Korean?

은 is a particle introduced at 1급 (TOPIK 1). A postpositional particle used to indicate that a certain subject contrasts with something else. It has 3 distinct senses, all listed on this page.

When do you use 은?

Attaches after nouns and adverbials ending in a consonant (and similar forms). The other shape is 는, ㄴ — same point, different environment.

What is the difference between 은 and 는?

None in meaning — they are two shapes of the same particle, and which one appears is decided by the sound in front of it, not by what you want to say.

What TOPIK level is 은?

1급 — TOPIK 1, beginner. It is one of 45 grammar points at that level.

Definition, usage note, examples and dialogue from the 국립국어원 한국어기초사전, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 KR.