Particle Library
Master the essential Korean particles.
Topic Particles
Sets the topic of the sentence. What are we talking about?
Subject Particles
Identifies the grammatical subject of the sentence.
Object Particles
Marks the object receiving the action of the verb.
Location Particles
Marking location and time. The difference depends on static vs dynamic verbs.
Connection
Means 'and' or 'with'.
Possessive
Indicates possession or relationship. Equivalent to 's or 'of'.
Direction/Means
Indicates direction (towards) or method (using/by).
Also / Too
Means 'also' or 'too'. Replaces subject/object particles.
Only
Indicates exclusivity. Means 'only' or 'just'.
Range (From/To)
Defines a range in time or place (From... To...).
Plural Particle
Makes a noun plural. Often optional but clarifies multiple items.
Honorific Subject
A highly polite version of the subject particle (이/가).
Dative (To a person)
Indicates the recipient of an action (giving to, talking to).
Vocative (Calling)
Used to call someone's name casually.
Choice / Selection
Means 'Or'. Also suggests 'something like that'.
Comparison
Means 'than'. Used to compare two nouns.
Frequency / Every
Means 'every' or 'each'.
Simile / Like
Means 'like' or 'as'. Expresses resemblance.
Reason (Noun)
Means 'because of'. Attached to nouns.
Approximation
Means 'about', 'around', or 'approximately'.
Quotation
Marks quoted speech or thoughts.
Distribution / Each
Means 'each' or 'apiece'. Distributes items.
Even
Means 'even' or 'so far as'. Often negative nuance.
Instead of
Means 'instead of'. Substitution or compensation.
Not... But...
Used to exclude one option and choose another.
Only (Negative)
Means 'nothing but'. Must use negative verb forms.
Indifference / Any
No matter what/who/when/where.
Ultimate Emphasis
The very one / indeed.
Extent / As much as
Indicates a similar degree or extent.
Positive Reason
Indicates a positive cause. Means 'Thanks to'.
Second Best
Suggests the 'next best' thing when the ideal is missing.
Standard / Exception
Expresses a standard for comparison or exceptions.
Only / Just
Means 'only' or 'just'. Used for exclusivity.
Recipient (Speech)
Identifies the person being spoken to.
Emphatic From
A more emphatic way of saying 'starting from a place'.
Among / Between
Indicates 'among ourselves/themselves' or 'between (a group)'.
From (Person)
Indicates receiving something 'from' a person.
As (Role/Status)
Indicates a status, capacity, or qualification. 'As a...'
By Means Of
Indicates an instrument, means, or method. 'By using...'
According to
Means 'according to' or 'following'.
Far from / Let alone
Used to indicate that even the basic thing is impossible, let alone the advanced thing.
On top of / And also
Indicates adding something onto a location or existing thing.
To (Spoken)
Colloquial marker for 'to (a person)' when asking/telling them something.