Grammar — Entry No. 1153
목적격조사
object-marker · particle
목적격조사
object-marker
[mok-jeok-gyeok-jo-sa]
particleintermediate
Meaning
A Korean grammatical particle that marks the direct object of a transitive verb, showing what is being acted upon. The primary object markers are -을 (after consonants) and -를 (after vowels). Critical for expressing complete sentences with clear action targets.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
K-Pop lyrics frequently use object markers to describe actions like ‘to love you’ (너를 사랑해). Understanding these markers helps fans grasp the emotional intent in songs by TWICE, EXO, and other groups. K-Drama characters use object markers when expressing desires or actions toward others.
Example Sentences
나는 K-팝을 좋아해요.
naneun kei-pop-eul joa-hae-yo.
I (subject) like K-Pop (object). — -을 marks what is being liked.
이 드라마를 봤어요?
i deureama-reul bwasseo-yo?
Did you watch (verb) this drama (object)? — -를 marks the direct object after a vowel.
BTS의 노래를 들어보세요.
BTS-ui nora-reul deur-eo-bose-yo.
Try listening to BTS’s song (object). — -를 specifies exactly what to listen to.
⚠️ Don’t use object-marker when…
Don’t use object markers with intransitive verbs that don’t take direct objects (like 있어요 ‘to exist’). Many learners confuse -을/를 with -이/가 because both appear early in sentences, but object markers specifically follow nouns being acted upon, not agents performing actions.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: My Love from the Star — Scenes where characters use object markers to express what they want or need from each other.
- K-Pop: aespa — ‘Spicy’ uses object markers in lyrics to describe emotions and actions the members take.
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.