N + 은/는 (Contrast) – Contrastive Topic Particle

Conjugation & Pattern

• N1 + 은/는 ~, N2 + 은/는 ~ (Contrasting two clauses)
• Can attach after location particles: 에 + 는 -> 에는, 에서 + 는 -> 에서는

Detailed Usage

Beyond marking a general topic, '은/는' is used to contrast two people, items, or situations. When contrasting direct objects, 은/는 replaces 을/를.

Example Sentences

1. 1

   형은 키가 크고 동생은 키가 작아요.

   Hyeongeun kiga keugo dongsaengeun kiga jagayo.

   My older brother is tall, whereas my younger brother is short.

2. 2

   저는 사과는 좋아하지만 포도는 안 좋아해요.

   Jeoneun sagwaneun jotahajiman podoneun an jotahaeyo.

   I like apples, but I don't like grapes.

3. 3

   이 구두는 비싸지만 저 구두는 싸요.

   I guduneun bissajiman jeo guduneun ssayo.

   These shoes are expensive, but those shoes are cheap.