은/는
topic / contrast particle
Level 1 · Particle
Explanation
Marks the topic (known information) or a contrast. Use 은 after a consonant and 는 after a vowel. In two-part sentences it highlights the difference.
Examples
저는 하노이에 살아요.
I live in Hanoi.
사과는 좋아하지만 배는 안 좋아해요.
I like apples, but not pears.
오늘은 바빠요.
Today I'm busy.
TOPIK note
In every TOPIK I text; often confused with 이/가 in Reading 34–39.