이야Korean particle · TOPIK 4

iya

TOPIK 4 4급 Particles 조사emphasis 강조

A postpositional particle used to emphasize the preceding word.

형태Forms

이야야

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 emphasize the preceding word.

강조의 뜻을 나타내는 조사.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after nouns and adverbials ending in a consonant.

받침 있는 명사나 부사어 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

괜찮다고 하지만 말을 안 하니 속사정이야 누가 알겠어요.

He says he's fine, but since he won't talk, who could know what's really going on inside?

이 정도 열이야 감기 초기 증상이므로 푹 쉬시면 됩니다.

A fever like this is just the early stage of a cold, so you'll be fine if you get plenty of rest.

자기 일만 하고 남이야 어떻게 되든 말든 상관없다는 생각은 버려야 해요.

You should drop the attitude of only caring about your own work and not giving a damn about others.

대화In conversation

요즘 다들 어렵다는데 너는 어때?

Everyone says times are tough these days—how about you?

밥이야 안 굶지만 생활의 여유는 없지.

Well, I'm not starving, but there's no room for comfort in life.

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 이야 mean in Korean?

이야 is a particle introduced at 4급 (TOPIK 4). A postpositional particle used to emphasize the preceding word.

When do you use 이야?

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

What is the difference between 이야 and 야?

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 이야?

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.