Grammar · Particles

을 / 를, the object particle

Pattern

[Object] 을 / 를 [verb]

을/를 marks the object, the thing the verb acts on. Use 를 after a vowel (커피를) and 을 after a consonant (밥을). Because the particle carries the grammar, the verb stays at the end and the object can move around before it. In relaxed speech it is often dropped: 커피 마셔요.

The mistake to avoid

좋아해요 takes 을/를 but 좋아요 takes 이/가. Say 커피를 좋아해요 or 커피가 좋아요, and do not mix the two.

Examples

Romanisation help

밥을 먹어요.

babeul meogeoyo.

I am having a meal.

커피를 마셔요.

keopireul masyeoyo.

I drink coffee.

한국어를 공부해요.

hangugeoreul gongbuhaeyo.

I study Korean.

음악을 들어요.

eumageul deureoyo.

I am listening to music.