Korean Grammar Lesson 1. -이에요/예요, -은/는

A : 안녕하세요?

B : 안녕하세요?

A : 저는 수희예요.

B : 저는 진성이예요.

1. -이에요/예요

'-이다' is attached to a noun and functions like 'be' in English.

If the previous noun ends in a consonant, you use '-이에요'.

You use '-예요' when the previous noun ends in a vowel.

Example)

저는 요리사예요.       I am a cook.

저는 선생님이예요.   I am a teacher. 

2. -은/는

'-은/는' is attached to a noun either when there is connotation of contrast with another subject or

to indicate the topic which the speaker is intending to talk about.

If the previous noun ends in a consonant, '-은' follows.

If the previous noun ends in a vowel, '-는' follows.

Example)

저는 리오입니다.                 I am RIO.

당신은 이름이 뭐예요?       What is your name?