은/는 vs 이/가
Mastering the fundamental contrast between the topic markers (은/는) and subject markers (이/가) in various sentence contexts.
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I am a student.
Introduces oneself by setting 'I' (저) as the main topic of the sentence using the topic marker 는. It establishes the baseline context for the conversation in a polite, formal tone.
만나서 반갑습니다, 저는 학생입니다.
Nice to meet you, I am a student.
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What is your name?
A formal question asking for someone's name. The subject marker 이 attaches to 'name' (이름) because 'name' is the specific subject being questioned and identified.
처음 뵙겠습니다. 이름이 무엇입니까?
How do you do? What is your name?
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The weather is good.
Used to describe a current state or observation about the weather. The subject marker 가 focuses the attention directly on 'weather' (날씨) as the entity performing the state of being good.
와, 오늘 날씨가 좋습니다.
Wow, the weather is great today.
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It is raining today.
Demonstrates the contrast between topic and subject markers. 'Today' (오늘) is established as the overarching topic with 는, while 'rain' (비) is the specific subject with 가 that is actively falling/coming.
어제는 맑았는데 오늘은 비가 옵니다.
It was clear yesterday, but it is raining today.
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Apples are delicious.
States a general truth or fact about apples by using the topic marker 는. It implies that while speaking generally about fruit, apples specifically possess the quality of being tasty.
마트에서 가을 사과는 맛있습니다.
Autumn apples at the supermarket are delicious.
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Korean is difficult but interesting.
Brings 'Korean' (한국어) to the forefront as the main topic of discussion using 는. It sets the stage to contrast two different qualities about the language within the same sentence.
요즘 공부하는 한국어는 어렵지만 재미있습니다.
The Korean language I am studying lately is difficult but fun.
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A friend came to my house.
Reports a newly occurring event or piece of information. The subject marker 가 highlights 'friend' (친구) as the specific agent who initiated the action of coming.
아까 오후에 친구가 집에 왔습니다.
A friend came over to my house earlier this afternoon.
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This is my book.
Used to identify an object near the speaker. The topic marker 은 attaches to 'this item' (이것) to introduce it as the subject of definition or ownership.
책상 위에 있는 이것은 제 책입니다.
This thing on top of the desk is my book.
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My younger sibling is tall.
Features a classic double-subject construction. 'Younger sibling' (동생) is the main topic marked by 은, while 'height' (키) is the sub-subject marked by 가 that receives the description of being big.
저는 작은데 제 동생은 키가 큽니다.
I am short, but my younger sibling is tall.
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There is no time.
An idiomatically vital pattern where the object of existence or non-existence (있다/없다) requires the subject marker. Here, 이 highlights 'time' (시간) as the specific thing that does not exist.
지금 기차를 타야 해서 시간이 없습니다.
I have to catch the train right now, so there is no time.
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The library is quiet.
Uses the topic marker '-은' to establish 'the library' as the main subject of conversation, contrasting it with other potentially noisy places or simply making a general statement about it.
학교 도서관은 조용합니다.
The school library is quiet.
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I need money.
Uses the subject marker '-이' with the adjective '필요하다' (to be needed) to pinpoint 'money' as the specific entity that is necessary in this context.
지금 당장 돈이 필요합니다.
I need money right now.
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My mother is good at cooking.
Employs the topic marker '-는' to bring 'mother' into focus as the main theme of the sentence, sharing a characteristic or recurring fact about her.
우리 어머니는 요리를 정말 잘하십니다.
My mother is really good at cooking.
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The bus has arrived.
Uses the subject marker '-가' to report a newly observed, sudden event where the focus is entirely on the action of the bus arriving.
드디어 버스가 도착했습니다.
The bus has finally arrived.
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Seoul has a large population.
Demonstrates a classic 'topic-comment' structure where '-은' marks the overarching topic (Seoul), and '-가' marks the sub-subject (population) experiencing the state of being large.
서울은 인구가 많습니다.
Seoul has a large population.
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The wind is blowing hard.
Utilizes the subject marker '-이' to describe an active state of nature or immediate environmental observation, emphasizing the wind itself performing the action.
오늘 밖에 바람이 많이 붑니다.
The wind is blowing hard outside today.
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Life is short.
Employs the topic marker '-은' to state a general truth, proverb, or universal fact about 'life' as a broad concept.
인생은 짧습니다.
Life is short.
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I feel good.
Pairs the subject marker '-이' with an adjective of emotion or state ('좋다') to pinpoint exactly what is good—in this case, one's mood or feelings.
칭찬을 들어서 기분이 좋습니다.
I feel good because I received a compliment.
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Fruit is good for your health.
Uses the topic marker '-은' to introduce a generalized factual statement or piece of health advice regarding the category of 'fruit'.
과일은 몸에 좋습니다.
Fruit is good for your health.
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The car broke down.
Applies the subject marker '-가' to convey sudden, factual news or an unexpected situation that just occurred to the specific car.
갑자기 차가 고장 났습니다.
Suddenly, the car broke down.
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The water is cold.
Uses the subject marker '이' to indicate that 'water' is the subject of the state of being cold. This is a neutral, objective statement of fact. The focus is on the inherent property of the water itself.
물이 차가워서 마시기 좋아요.
The water is cold, so it's good to drink.
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The sea is wide.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'the sea' as the topic of the sentence. This is often a general statement or a contrastive one, implying that while other things may not be wide, the sea is.
바다는 넓지만 호수는 좁아요.
The sea is wide, but the lake is narrow.
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I can hear a song.
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'the song' as the subject of the verb 'to be heard'. This is a neutral statement, focusing on the song being audible to the speaker.
노래가 들려서 기분이 좋아져요.
I hear a song, so I feel better.
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My older brother is a college student.
Uses the topic marker '은' to indicate that 'my older brother' is the topic of the sentence. This is a general statement introducing or clarifying the brother's status, and it can contrast with others who are not.
형은 대학생이고 저는 고등학생이에요.
My older brother is a college student, and I am a high school student.
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The computer is fast.
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'the computer' as the subject of the predicate 'to be fast'. This is a neutral, objective description of the computer's performance, without comparison to other objects.
컴퓨터가 빨라서 게임하기 좋아요.
The computer is fast, so it's good for playing games.
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These shoes are comfortable.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'these shoes' as the topic of the sentence. This is a general statement about their comfort, and it can imply a contrast with other shoes.
이 신발은 편하지만 저 신발은 불편해요.
These shoes are comfortable, but those shoes are uncomfortable.
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The door opened.
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'the door' as the subject of the passive verb 'to be opened'. This is a neutral statement of fact, focusing on the door as the entity that underwent the action.
문이 열려서 시원한 바람이 들어와요.
The door is open, so a cool breeze comes in.
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Winter is cold.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'winter' as the topic. This is a general, well-known fact about winter. It is not an objective observation of a specific winter day, but a statement about the season itself.
겨울은 춥지만 눈이 와서 좋아요.
Winter is cold, but I like it because it snows.
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The puppy is cute.
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'the puppy' as the subject of the predicate 'to be cute'. This is a neutral, objective observation of the puppy's cuteness, without contrasting it with other animals.
강아지가 귀여워서 자꾸 보고 싶어요.
The puppy is cute, so I keep wanting to see it.
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The class is over.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'the class' as the topic. This is a statement about the status of the class, often with a sense of finality or a change of state compared to when it was ongoing.
수업은 끝났으니 이제 집에 갈 수 있어요.
The class is over, so now I can go home.
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The taxi isn't coming.
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'the taxi' as the subject of the negative verb 'to not come'. This is a neutral, factual observation about a specific taxi's failure to arrive, without contrasting it with other vehicles.
택시가 안 와서 지하철을 탈 거예요.
The taxi isn't coming, so I'll take the subway.
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The food is spicy.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'the food' as the topic. This is a general statement about the food's spiciness, often implying a contrast with other foods or expressing a characteristic of the food being discussed.
음식은 매워요? 그럼 물을 많이 준비할게요.
Is the food spicy? Then I'll prepare a lot of water.
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I have a headache.
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'head' as the subject of the predicate 'to hurt'. This is a neutral, objective statement of a physical symptom, focusing on the head as the location of the pain without contrasting it with other body parts.
머리가 아파서 일찍 자야겠어요.
I have a headache, so I should go to bed early.
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Flowers are beautiful.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'flowers' as the topic. This is a general, universal statement about the beauty of flowers, often used as a broad observation or in contrast to other things that may not be as beautiful.
꽃은 아름답지만 너무 빨리 시들어요.
Flowers are beautiful, but they wither too quickly.
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I have an appointment.
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'appointment' as the subject of the existential verb 'to exist/have'. This is a neutral statement of fact, simply stating the existence of a commitment without contrasting it with other obligations.
약속이 있어서 내일은 못 만나요.
I have an appointment, so I can't meet tomorrow.
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The movie wasn't interesting.
Uses the topic marker '는' to set 'the movie' as the topic. This is a statement about the movie, often implying a contrast with expectations or with other movies that were interesting. The focus is on the speaker's evaluation of that particular movie.
영화는 재미없었어요, 하지만 책은 정말 재미있었어요.
The movie wasn't interesting, but the book was really interesting.
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Where are the glasses?
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'the glasses' as the subject of the location question. This is a neutral, direct question about the location of the glasses, focusing on the object itself without implying a contrast with other items.
안경이 어디에 있어요? 찾을 수가 없어요.
Where are the glasses? I can't find them.
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I can't eat spicy food.
Uses the topic marker '는' to set 'I' as the topic. This is a personal statement about the speaker's own inability, often implying a contrast with others who can eat spicy food. The topic is the speaker, not the food.
저는 매운 음식을 못 먹는데, 다들 잘 먹더라고요.
I can't eat spicy food, but everyone else seems to eat it well.
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A call came in.
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'phone call' as the subject of the verb 'to come'. This is a neutral statement reporting an incoming call, focusing on the call's arrival without contrasting it with other events.
전화가 왔는데 못 받았어요.
A call came in, but I couldn't answer it.
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The room is clean.
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'the room' as the subject of the state of being clean. This is a neutral, objective observation about the condition of the room, without contrasting it with other rooms.
방이 깨끗해서 기분이 좋아요.
The room is clean, so I feel good.
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The weekend goes by fast.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'the weekend' as the topic. This is a general, subjective observation about how weekends feel short, often implying a contrast with weekdays which feel long. The focus is on the speaker's personal experience of time.
주말은 빠르니까 푹 쉬세요.
The weekend goes by fast, so get plenty of rest.
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My wallet disappeared.
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'wallet' as the subject of the verb 'to disappear'. This is a neutral, factual report of an event, focusing on the wallet itself as the thing that is now gone, without contrasting it with other possessions.
지갑이 없어져서 너무 당황했어요.
My wallet disappeared, so I was so flustered.
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Coffee is warm.
Uses the topic marker '는' to set 'coffee' as the topic. This is a statement about a specific coffee's temperature, often implying a contrast with something else that is cold, or establishing the coffee's warmth as a notable characteristic.
커피는 따뜻하니까 천천히 드세요.
The coffee is warm, so drink it slowly.
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The sky is blue.
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'sky' as the subject of the predicate 'to be blue'. This is a neutral, objective observation about the color of the sky on a particular day, without contrasting it with other colors or conditions.
하늘이 푸르니까 산책하기 좋은 날이에요.
The sky is blue, so it's a good day for a walk.
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The bag is heavy.
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'bag' as the subject of the state of being heavy. This is a neutral, factual observation about the bag's weight, focusing on the bag itself without contrasting it with other bags.
가방이 무거워서 들기 힘들어요.
The bag is heavy, so it's hard to carry.
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It was hot yesterday.
Uses the topic marker '는' to set 'yesterday' as the topic. This is a statement about a specific day's weather, often implying a contrast with today or other days. The focus is on the topic of 'yesterday' as a time frame.
어제는 더웠지만 오늘은 시원해요.
It was hot yesterday, but today it's cool.
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A new phone has been released.
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'phone' as the subject of the verb 'to come out/release'. This is a neutral, factual statement about a new product's release, focusing on the phone as the thing being released without contrasting it with other products.
휴대폰이 새로 나왔다는 소식을 들었어요.
I heard the news that a new phone has been released.
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Snacks are sweet.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'snacks' as the topic. This is a general statement about the characteristic sweetness of snacks, often implying a contrast with savory foods or stating a general truth about the category.
과자는 달지만 너무 많이 먹으면 안 돼요.
Snacks are sweet, but you shouldn't eat too many.
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The problem is difficult.
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'problem' as the subject of the state of being difficult. This is a neutral, objective assessment of a specific problem's difficulty, without contrasting it with other problems.
문제가 어려워서 시간이 많이 필요해요.
The problem is difficult, so it needs a lot of time.
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The restaurant is over there.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'the restaurant' as the topic. This is a statement giving the location of a specific restaurant, often implying a contrast with other locations or providing clear direction to the listener.
식당은 저기에 있고, 카페는 이쪽에 있어요.
The restaurant is over there, and the cafe is on this side.
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The airplane takes off.
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'airplane' as the subject of the action verb 'to take off'. This is a neutral, factual statement describing an action in progress or about to occur, focusing on the airplane as the doer of the action without contrasting it with other vehicles.
비행기가 이륙하니까 안전벨트를 매세요.
The airplane is taking off, so please fasten your seatbelt.
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Tomorrow is a day off.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'tomorrow' as the topic. This is a statement about tomorrow's status, often implying a contrast with other days that are workdays. The focus is on tomorrow as a specific time frame.
내일은 쉬는 날이니까 늦잠을 자도 돼요.
Tomorrow is a day off, so I can sleep in.
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The clothes are small.
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'clothes' as the subject of the state of being small. This is a neutral, objective observation about the size of a specific clothing item, without contrasting it with other sizes or items.
옷이 작아서 다른 사이즈로 바꿔야겠어요.
The clothes are small, so I should exchange them for a different size.
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Milk is nutty/rich.
Uses the topic marker '는' to set 'milk' as the topic. This is a general statement about the characteristic flavor of milk, often implying a contrast with other beverages or describing a quality that is typical of milk.
우유는 고소해서 커피랑 잘 어울려요.
Milk is rich and nutty, so it goes well with coffee.
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It's snowing.
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'snow' as the subject of the verb 'to fall'. This is a neutral, factual statement describing current weather conditions, focusing on the snow as the thing falling without contrasting it with other weather phenomena.
눈이 내리니까 조심히 운전하세요.
It's snowing, so please drive carefully.
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The teacher is kind.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'teacher' as the topic. This is a general statement about the teacher's character, often implying a contrast with others or stating a known characteristic of that particular teacher.
선생님은 친절하셔서 물어보기 편해요.
The teacher is kind, so it's easy to ask questions.
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The subway is arriving.
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'subway' as the subject of the verb 'to come in/arrive'. This is a neutral, factual announcement of a train's arrival, focusing on the subway as the subject without contrasting it with other forms of transport.
지하철이 들어오니까 타세요.
The subway is arriving, so get on.
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The pants are long.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'pants' as the topic. This is a statement about the length of a specific pair of pants, often implying a contrast with shorter pants or noting that they are longer than expected.
바지는 기니까 밑단을 줄여야 할 것 같아요.
The pants are long, so I think I need to shorten the hem.
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The sound is loud.
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'sound' as the subject of the state of being loud. This is a neutral, objective observation about the volume of a specific sound, without contrasting it with other sounds.
소리가 커서 다른 사람들이 들을까 봐 걱정이에요.
The sound is loud, so I'm worried others might hear it.
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The train departs on time.
Uses the topic marker '는' to set 'train' as the topic. This is a statement about the train's schedule, often implying a contrast with other trains or with a general expectation of punctuality. The focus is on the train's characteristic of departing punctually.
기차는 정각에 출발하니까 늦지 마세요.
The train departs on time, so don't be late.
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What is the reason?
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'reason' as the subject of the question. This is a neutral, direct question asking for a reason, focusing on the reason itself as the subject without contrasting it with other possible factors.
이유가 무엇인가요? 말씀해 주시면 제가 도와드릴게요.
What is the reason? If you tell me, I'll help you.
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Beer is cold.
Uses the topic marker '는' to set 'beer' as the topic. This is a statement about a specific beer's temperature, often implying a contrast with other drinks or highlighting that the beer is refreshingly cold, as is typically desired.
맥주는 시원하니까 얼른 드세요.
The beer is cold, so drink it quickly.
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The light turned on.
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'light' as the subject of the passive verb 'to be turned on'. This is a neutral, factual statement reporting that a light has been switched on, focusing on the light itself as the thing that changed state.
불이 켜져서 이제 책을 읽을 수 있어요.
The light is on, so now I can read a book.
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Summer is hot.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'summer' as the topic. This is a general, well-known statement about the season's characteristic weather, often implying a contrast with other seasons that are cooler.
여름은 덥지만 바다에 가면 좋아요.
Summer is hot, but it's nice to go to the beach.
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The watch is broken.
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'watch/clock' as the subject of the predicate 'to be broken'. This is a neutral, factual statement about a malfunction, focusing on the timepiece as the subject without contrasting it with other items.
시계가 고장 나서 시간을 확인할 수 없어요.
The watch is broken, so I can't check the time.
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The department store is crowded.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'department store' as the topic. This is a statement about the general condition of the store, often implying a contrast with other places that might be quieter or noting that it's typically busy.
백화점은 복잡하니까 조심하세요.
The department store is crowded, so please be careful.
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I have a fever.
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'fever/heat' as the subject of the verb 'to rise/occur'. This is a neutral, objective statement about a physical symptom, focusing on the fever itself without contrasting it with other symptoms.
열이 나서 병원에 가야 할 것 같아요.
I have a fever, so I think I need to go to the hospital.
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Kimchi is spicy.
Uses the topic marker '는' to set 'kimchi' as the topic. This is a general statement about the characteristic spiciness of kimchi, often implying a contrast with other side dishes or describing a typical quality of the dish.
김치는 매콤해서 밥이랑 잘 어울려요.
Kimchi is spicy, so it goes well with rice.
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The light turned off.
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'light' as the subject of the passive verb 'to be turned off'. This is a neutral, factual statement reporting that a light has been switched off, focusing on the light itself as the thing that changed state.
불이 꺼져서 캄캄해요.
The light is off, so it's pitch black.
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The chair is hard.
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'chair' as the subject of the state of being hard. This is a neutral, objective observation about the chair's material or comfort level, without contrasting it with other chairs.
의자가 딱딱해서 앉기 불편해요.
The chair is hard, so it's uncomfortable to sit on.
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The desk is wide.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'the desk' as the topic. This is a general statement about the desk's size, often implying a contrast with other desks or highlighting that it is sufficiently spacious for its purpose.
책상은 넓으니까 공부하기 좋아요.
The desk is wide, so it's good for studying.
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The bus has left.
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'the bus' as the subject of the verb 'to leave/depart'. This is a neutral, factual statement reporting a departure, focusing on the bus as the entity that performed the action, without contrasting it with other vehicles.
버스가 떠나서 다음 버스를 기다려야 해요.
The bus has left, so I have to wait for the next one.
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Autumn is cool and pleasant.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'autumn' as the topic. This is a general statement about the season's characteristic weather, often implying a contrast with summer's heat or winter's cold, focusing on autumn's refreshing coolness.
가을은 선선해서 나들이 가기 좋아요.
Autumn is cool and pleasant, so it's good for going on outings.
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I am hungry.
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'stomach' as the subject of the predicate 'to be hungry'. This is a neutral, objective statement about a physical sensation, focusing on the stomach as the location of the hunger without contrasting it with other bodily states.
배가 고파서 점심을 먹으러 갈게요.
I'm hungry, so I'm going to go eat lunch.
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I don't have an umbrella.
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'umbrella' as the subject of the existential negative verb 'to not exist/have'. This is a neutral, factual statement about the absence of an umbrella, without contrasting it with other missing items.
우산이 없어서 비 맞을까 봐 걱정이에요.
I don't have an umbrella, so I'm worried I might get rained on.
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The airport is far.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'the airport' as the topic. This is a statement about the airport's distance, often implying a contrast with other locations or noting that it's far relative to the speaker's current position.
공항은 멀어서 택시를 타야 할 것 같아요.
The airport is far, so I think I'll have to take a taxi.
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The shoes are big.
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'shoes' as the subject of the state of being big. This is a neutral, objective observation about the size of a specific pair of shoes, without contrasting them with other shoes.
신발이 커서 걸을 때 불편해요.
The shoes are big, so they're uncomfortable to walk in.
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The bicycle is broken.
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'bicycle' as the subject of the predicate 'to be broken'. This is a neutral, factual statement about a malfunction, focusing on the bicycle as the subject without contrasting it with other broken items.
자전거가 고장 나서 수리 센터에 가져가야 해요.
The bicycle is broken, so I have to take it to a repair shop.
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The sea is visible.
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'the sea' as the subject of the passive verb 'to be seen'. This is a neutral, factual statement about the ocean being within view, focusing on the sea as the thing being seen without contrasting it with other sights.
바다가 보여서 기분이 정말 좋아요.
The sea is visible, so I feel really good.
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Spring is warm.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'spring' as the topic. This is a general, well-known statement about the season's characteristic weather, often implying a contrast with winter's cold or summer's heat, focusing on spring's pleasant warmth.
봄은 따뜻하니까 꽃 구경 가기 좋아요.
Spring is warm, so it's good to go see flowers.
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The car has stopped.
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'the car' as the subject of the verb 'to stop'. This is a neutral, factual statement about a car's action, focusing on the car as the thing that stopped, without contrasting it with other vehicles.
자동차가 멈춰서 신호등을 기다리고 있어요.
The car has stopped and is waiting for the traffic light.
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My father is sleeping.
Uses the topic marker '는' to set 'father' as the topic. This is a polite statement about the father's current activity, often implying respect and using the honorific verb '주무시다'. It could also imply a contrast with other family members who are awake.
아버지는 주무시니까 조용히 해야 해요.
My father is sleeping, so we need to be quiet.
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The voice is good.
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'voice' as the subject of the state of being good. This is a neutral, objective compliment about someone's voice quality, without contrasting it with other voices.
목소리가 좋아서 노래를 잘 부를 것 같아요.
The voice is good, so I think you'll sing well.
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Breakfast is important.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'breakfast' as the topic. This is a general, universal statement about the importance of the morning meal, often implying a contrast with other meals or emphasizing its significance for health.
아침은 중요하니까 꼭 먹어야 해요.
Breakfast is important, so you should definitely eat it.
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The road is blocked / There's traffic.
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'road' as the subject of the passive verb 'to be blocked'. This is a neutral, factual statement about traffic conditions, focusing on the road as the subject without contrasting it with other routes.
길이 막혀서 지하철을 타는 게 나을 것 같아요.
The road is blocked, so I think taking the subway would be better.
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The subway station is close.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'the subway station' as the topic. This is a statement about the station's proximity, often implying a contrast with other locations or noting that it's conveniently near.
지하철역은 가까워서 걸어갈 수 있어요.
The subway station is close, so I can walk there.
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Tears are forming / I'm crying.
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'tears' as the subject of the verb 'to come/fall'. This is a neutral, factual statement about a physical reaction, focusing on the tears themselves without contrasting them with other emotions.
눈물이 나서 화장이 다 지워졌어요.
Tears are coming, so my makeup all washed off.
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Foreign languages are difficult.
Uses the topic marker '는' to set 'foreign languages' as the topic. This is a general, widely-held statement about the difficulty of learning foreign languages, often implying a contrast with one's native language.
외국어는 어렵지만 포기하지 마세요.
Foreign languages are difficult, but don't give up.
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The phone is ringing.
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'the phone' as the subject of the verb 'to ring'. This is a neutral, factual statement describing an action, focusing on the phone as the thing making the sound, without contrasting it with other devices.
전화기가 울려서 누군지 확인해 봤어요.
The phone was ringing, so I checked who it was.
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The exam is tomorrow.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'the exam' as the topic. This is a statement about the exam's scheduled date, often implying a contrast with other events or emphasizing when the exam will take place.
시험은 내일이니까 오늘은 푹 쉬세요.
The exam is tomorrow, so get plenty of rest today.
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There are many clouds.
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'clouds' as the subject of the state of being many. This is a neutral, objective observation about the weather, focusing on the clouds themselves without contrasting them with other weather conditions.
구름이 많아서 비가 올 것 같아요.
There are many clouds, so it looks like it's going to rain.
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Where is the restroom?
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'restroom' as the subject of the location question. This is a neutral, direct question about the location of the restroom, focusing on it as the object of inquiry without contrasting it with other places.
화장실이 어디입니까? 급해요!
Where is the restroom? It's urgent!
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The glasses are light.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'the glasses' as the topic. This is a statement about a specific pair of glasses, often implying a contrast with other glasses that might be heavy or noting their comfortable lightness.
안경은 가벼워서 오래 써도 편해요.
The glasses are light, so they're comfortable even after wearing them for a long time.
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There's traffic / The cars are blocked.
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'cars' (collectively) as the subject of the passive verb 'to be blocked'. This is a neutral, factual statement about traffic congestion, focusing on the cars as the subject without contrasting them with other conditions.
차가 막혀서 지각할 것 같아요.
There's traffic, so I think I'll be late.
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The bed is comfortable.
Uses the topic marker '는' to set 'the bed' as the topic. This is a statement about the bed's comfort, often implying a contrast with other beds or other furniture, emphasizing its quality.
침대는 편안해서 푹 잘 수 있을 것 같아요.
The bed is comfortable, so I think I'll sleep well.
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The rain has stopped.
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'rain' as the subject of the verb 'to stop'. This is a neutral, factual statement about a change in weather, focusing on the rain as the thing that stopped, without contrasting it with other weather phenomena.
비가 그쳐서 산책할 수 있어요.
The rain has stopped, so I can go for a walk.
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The movie has started.
Uses the subject marker '가' to mark 'movie' as the subject of the passive verb 'to be started'. This is a neutral, factual statement about the beginning of a film, focusing on the movie as the thing that started without contrasting it with other events.
영화가 시작되었으니 휴대폰을 꺼 주세요.
The movie has started, so please turn off your phones.
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The wallet is on the desk.
Uses the topic marker '은' to set 'the wallet' as the topic. This is a statement giving the location of a specific wallet, often implying a contrast with other locations where it might have been, or providing clear direction.
지갑은 책상 위에 있으니까 찾으세요.
The wallet is on the desk, so please find it.
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The rumor has spread.
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'rumor' as the subject of the passive verb 'to be spread'. This is a neutral, factual statement about information dissemination, focusing on the rumor itself without contrasting it with other gossip.
소문이 퍼져서 모두가 알고 있어요.
The rumor has spread, so everyone knows about it.
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The internet is slow.
Uses the subject marker '이' to mark 'the internet' as the subject of the state of being slow. This is a neutral, objective observation about connection speed, focusing on the internet connection itself without contrasting it with other services.
인터넷이 느려서 웹사이트가 안 열려요.
The internet is slow, so the website won't load.