Topic Marker, Subject Marker, Object Marker (은/는, 이/가, 을/를) | Korean FAQ

Summary

The video compares the Korean object marker 을/를, topic marker 은/는, and subject marker 이/가. The presenter emphasizes that these particles take time to master. Practice and using them in conversation can help learners develop an intuition for which one fits.

Object Marker: 을/를

• Forms: 을 follows a noun ending in a consonant; 를 follows a noun ending in a vowel.
• It marks the object of an action verb—the person or thing affected by the action.
• For example, in “like cake” or “eat cake,” cake is the object and takes the object marker.
• The presenter explains that descriptive verbs do not take objects, so they are not used with the object marker.

Topic Marker: 은/는

• Forms: 은 follows a consonant; 는 follows a vowel.
• It marks what the sentence or conversation is about—the current topic.
• The presenter compares it to changing a sign above the conversation: using a new topic marker replaces what was previously on the sign.
• Once a topic has been established, it usually does not need to be repeated in every sentence. Later sentences can leave it understood unless the topic changes.
• It can be understood as “as for…” or “when it comes to…”
• Common uses include:
  • Introducing a general statement: Bring something up as a topic, then say something about it.
  • Changing the conversational focus: Set a different topic for what follows.
  • Creating contrast: Moving from one topic to another can highlight a difference between them.

Subject Marker: 이/가

• Forms: 이 follows a consonant; 가 follows a vowel.
• It marks the subject of a verb, rather than the overall topic of the conversation.
• With an action verb, it identifies who or what performs the action.
• With a descriptive verb, it identifies who or what is being described.
• A sentence can contain multiple subject markers when different verbs have different subjects.

How 은/는 and 이/가 Differ

Both markers can appear with the same noun, and either may be grammatically appropriate, but they convey different emphasis:

• 은/는 sets or changes the topic, signaling what the conversation is about.
• 이/가 marks the subject associated with a verb: who performs the action or what is being described.
• In 김치가 맛있어, the marker identifies kimchi as the thing being described as delicious; the broader conversational topic may remain unchanged.
• In 김치는 맛있어, kimchi is presented as the topic—roughly, “As for kimchi, it’s delicious.”

The presenter advises learners not to worry excessively about choosing the “right” marker at first. Instead, notice their different functions and practice until the distinction becomes more intuitive.

Speaker and Sources Featured

• Speaker: The video’s Korean-language instructor and presenter, identified by the channel context as GO! Billy Korean.
• The presenter thanks Patreon and YouTube supporters. No other speakers are featured in the subtitles.