Indeen Korean uses particles in so many ways, this time I have learned two new ones. The first of which is the particle 에 which is used to mark location. Below are some examples on how this particle can be used:
- 나는 식당 안에 있어요 (I am inside the restaurant)
- 제인 학교에 없어요 (Jane is not in school)
Unlike in the English language, this particle is placed after the noun to indicate location. Just like other particles, it is pronounced as if part of the word itself which means you don’t need to pause after the word. However there are exemptions where the particle 에 is not sounded this is specifically true if the word is ending in 이,에 or 애 but for most vowels the 에 must be sounded. The word between in korea is an exemption to this rule, 사이에 is pronounced with the 에 sounded . On my observation since the 3 other vowels sounds similar with 에, this is perhaps the reason why its addition has no effect on spoken word but rather a useful marker in written Korean.
Another important particle I learned is 하고 (hago where go is pronounced with a rounded ‘o’ like goat). This particle can either mean and or with depending on the use. Below are examples:
- 잭하고 연필 (literally means books and pencils) – note that the particle is connected as part of word book which is 잭 (chaek) therefore it should be pronounced seamlessly (no pausing).
- When asked — ‘어디에 있어요?’ (Who are you with?). The answer could be… 나는 친구하고 있어요 (I am with a friend)
I am now getting more used to particles… looking forward for more.
It Started with Hangul 