Understanding the Korean Subject Markers "이" and "가" for Beginners

In Korean, subject markers 이 and 가 play an essential role in identifying the subject of a sentence. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand:

1. What are subject markers?
Subject markers show what or who the sentence is about. They help listeners focus on the subject of a sentence, even when the word order changes.

For example:

• 고양이가 귀여워요.
  (The cat is cute.)

Here, 고양이 (cat) is the subject, and 가 marks it as the main focus.

2. When to use "이" and "가"?
The difference depends on whether the subject ends with a consonant or a vowel.

• Use "이" after a subject that ends with a consonant.
  Example:
  • 책이 있다.
    (There is a book.)
• Use "가" after a subject that ends with a vowel.
  Example:
  • 학교가 크다.
    (The school is big.)

3. Why do we use "이" and "가"?
In Korean, sentences often drop the subject if it’s understood from context. But when you need to emphasize or clarify who or what the sentence is about, 이 or 가 makes it clear.

4. How are "이" and "가" different from "은" and "는"?

• "이" and "가" are used to introduce new information or focus on the subject in a neutral way.
  Example:
  • 친구가 왔어요.
    (A friend came. → Emphasizing who came.)
• "은" and "는" are used to indicate a general topic or to compare.
  Example:
  • 친구는 왔어요.
    (The friend came. → Contrasting with someone else or emphasizing the situation.)

5. Practice makes perfect!
Let’s try a few sentences:

• 개 (dog):
  • 개가 좋아요. (The dog is nice.)
• 사람 (person):
  • 사람이 많아요. (There are many people.)

By understanding and practicing these subject markers, you'll take a big step toward mastering Korean sentence structure! Keep going, and soon, it will feel natural.