Find English Teachers
Diana
What is the difference between 내가 / 난 and 내 / 나의 ?
Can someone please explain to me when you use different forms of these words? As I understand, both 내가 and 난 mean "I", and 내 and 나의 both mean "mine". If you could give me some examples explaining different uses of all of them, that would've been just great :)
Nov 30, 2015 9:48 AM
Answers · 2
4
The basic form of "I" is 나 (informal, 저 is the formal form).
난 is the contracted form of 나는 = 나 + topic particle -는/은.
You use it for talking about general things.
나는 18살이야. I am 18 years old.
나는 너를 좋아해. I like you.
나는 이제 자러 가. I'm going to sleep now.
내가 is 나 + subject particle -이/가. (This would normally give 나가 but it's an exception, 내가.)
The difference with -는/은 is that -이/가 puts emphasis on the subject, so it's like "It's me who..."
내가 할게. I'll do it (myself).
내가 그랬어? Did I say that?
내가 먼저 갈게. I'll go first.
In all these examples "I" is emphasized.
내 is the contracted form of 나의, which comes from 나 + 의 (possessive particle) so you can use either. It's just a matter of personal preference.
November 30, 2015
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
Diana
Language Skills
Dutch, English, Korean, Russian
Learning Language
Korean
Articles You May Also Like

How to Read and Understand a Business Contract in English
3 likes · 0 Comments

6 Ways italki Can Help You Succeed in Your School Language Classes
8 likes · 6 Comments

The Power of Storytelling in Business Communication
46 likes · 13 Comments
More articles