hwadu

Hwadu, also known as "topic" or "subject," is a fundamental concept in Korean grammar. It functions similarly to the subject in English, but with a distinct grammatical role and often a different marker. The hwadu is the entity or idea that the sentence is about, providing the central focus.

A hwadu is typically marked by the particle 은 (eun) or 는 (neun), depending on whether the preceding noun ends in a consonant or a vowel, respectively. For example, in the sentence "나는 학생입니다" (naneun haksaengimnida), "나" (na - I) is the hwadu, marked by 는 (neun), and the sentence is about "I." In contrast, "이것은 책입니다" (igeoseun chaegimnida), "이것" (igeot - this) is the hwadu, marked by 은 (eun), and the sentence's topic is "this."

While often coinciding with the grammatical subject, the hwadu can sometimes be distinct. It can refer to a previously mentioned topic or introduce a new one, setting the context for the rest of the sentence or discourse. Understanding the hwadu is crucial for comprehending the flow and meaning of Korean sentences, as it guides the listener or reader to the primary concern of the utterance. It helps to differentiate what is being talked about from what is being said about it.