Subject Particle -이/-가 vs Topic Particle -는/-은

The Subject 

Typically identifies the noun that is performing the specific verb action. But

is limited to that action. It's like asking "who or what is making the action in this sentence?" -가 is used when the word does not end in a consonant. Thus, there is no final stop consonant.

Example Sentence: 내가 먹었다. I ate it.
-이 is used when the word ends in a final stop consonant. The ᄂ in "잔" is the final stop consonant.

Example Sentence: 곰이 지나갔다. A bear passed by.

The Topic 

The topic can identify the noun that is performing the verb action, but is broadened in function as the topic of the whole sentence. It's like asking "who or what is this sentence about?"

-는 is used when the word does not end in a consonant.
Example Sentence: 나는 먹는다 . I eat it ("I, specifically, am able to eat it" mostly in the context of

foreign exotic food). -은 is used when the word ends in a final stop consonant.

Example Sentence: 곰들은 지나갈 수 있다. Bears are able to pass by. (Specifically implying that another kind of animal might not be able to pass by).

Translation Practice

Translate the following from Korean into English

1. 재가 했습니다. _________________________________________________________________

2. 사슴이 먹고 도망 갔다. __________________________________________________________

3. 저는 알레르기 때문에 못 먹는다. __________________________________________________ 

4. 이 분들은 미국에서 왔습니다. _____________________________________________________

5. 배가 아파서 잤어요. ______________________________________________________________

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Answer Key

1. I did it.
2. The deer ate and fled.
3. I cannot eat [it] because of allergies.
4. These people are from the United States. 5. I slept because my stomach hurt.