이란Korean particle · TOPIK 4

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TOPIK 4 4급 Particles 조사definition 정의

A postpositional particle used to explain or emphasize something by specially choosing it as the topic.

형태Forms

이란란

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 explain or emphasize something by specially choosing it as the topic.

어떤 대상으로 특별히 지정하여 화제로 삼아 설명하거나 강조함을 나타내는 조사.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after nouns ending in a consonant.

받침 있는 명사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

사랑이란 서로 이해하고 아끼는 마음이에요.

Love is a feeling of understanding and cherishing each other.

말이란 ‘아’ 다르고 ‘어’ 다른 거야.

Words are like 'ah' and 'eo'—they sound similar but mean different things.

돈이란 있다가도 없는 거란다.

Money is something that can be here one moment and gone the next.

대화In conversation

엄마, 속담이 뭐예요?

Mom, what's a proverb?

속담이란 오랜 세월 동안 얻은 경험과 교훈을 짧게 표현한 말이야.

A proverb is a short saying that expresses wisdom and lessons gained over a long time.

관련 문법Related grammar

Other particles you will meet alongside this one.

까지 kkaji A postpositional particle referring to the end of a certain range. TOPIK 4 마저 majeo A postpositional particle that indicates the addition of the last remaining thing to the current state or amount. TOPIK 4 으로서 euroseo 로서 A postpositional particle that indicates a status, position, or qualification. TOPIK 4 으로써 eurosseo 로써 A postpositional particle that indicates the material or ingredients of an object. TOPIK 4 이나마 inama 나마 A postpositional particle used to accept something even though it is displeasing or is in an insufficient condition. TOPIK 4 이든 ideun 든 · 이든지 · 든지 A postpositional particle used when it does not matter which one is chosen. TOPIK 4

자주 묻는 질문Common questions

What does 이란 mean in Korean?

이란 is a particle introduced at 4급 (TOPIK 4). A postpositional particle used to explain or emphasize something by specially choosing it as the topic.

When do you use 이란?

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

What is the difference between 이란 and 란?

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 이란?

4급 — TOPIK 4, upper intermediate. It is one of 67 grammar points at that level.

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