KoreanPath

이Korean particle · TOPIK 1

i

TOPIK 1 1급Particles 조사3 senses

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

형태Forms

이가

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

A postpositional particle referring to a subject under a certain state or situation, or the agent of an action.

어떤 상태나 상황의 대상이나 동작의 주체를 나타내는 조사.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after nouns ending in a consonant.

받침 있는 명사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

오늘 밤은 달이 참 밝다.

The moon is really bright tonight.

나는 신이 있다고 믿는다.

I believe that God exists.

학교 앞에 벚꽃이 예쁘게 피었더라.

The cherry blossoms in front of the school had bloomed beautifully.

대화In conversation

어제 새로 생긴 중국집에 갔는데 짜장면이 맛있더라.

I went to that new Chinese restaurant yesterday, and the jjajangmyeon was delicious.

그래? 나도 짜장면 먹으러 한 번 가야겠네.

Really? I should go try the jjajangmyeon too.

A postpositional particle referring to the subject that is to be changed, or the subject that one denies.

바뀌게 되는 대상이나 부정하는 대상임을 나타내는 조사.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after nouns ending in a consonant. Usually used together with 되다 or 아니다.

받침 있는 명사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다. 주로 '되다', '아니다'와 함께 쓴다.

예문Examples

저에 대한 소문은 사실이 아닙니다.

The rumors about me are not true.

민준이는 내 아들이 아니고 조카다.

Minjun is not my son but my nephew.

우리 팀이 우승을 하다니 꿈이 현실이 됐다.

Our team winning the championship made my dream come true.

대화In conversation

승규는 커서 뭐가 되고 싶니?

Seunggyu, what do you want to be when you grow up?

저는 연예인이 되고 싶어요.

I want to be a celebrity.

A postpositional particle used to emphasize the preceding statement.

앞말을 강조하는 뜻을 나타내는 조사.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after nouns and adverbials ending in a consonant.

받침 있는 명사나 부사어 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

승규는 온다고 한 지가 한 시간이 지났는데 왜 안 와?

Seunggyu said he was coming, and it's been an hour already—why isn't he here?

대화In conversation

여보, 점심에는 국수를 해 먹을까요?

Honey, should we have noodles for lunch?

나는 국수 말고 볶음밥이 먹고 싶은데.

I'd rather have fried rice than noodles.

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 이 mean in Korean?

이 is a particle introduced at 1급 (TOPIK 1). A postpositional particle referring to a subject under a certain state or situation, or the agent of an action. It has 3 distinct senses, all listed on this page.

When do you use 이?

Attaches after nouns ending in a consonant. The other shape is 가 — same point, different environment.

What is the difference between 이 and 가?

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 이?

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.