The suffix -를 is a direct object marker, used to indicate the noun that receives the action of a verb. It is attached to nouns that end in a vowel. If the noun ends in a consonant, the object marker -을 is used instead.
Usage of -를: NV–를
Marking the Direct Object of a Sentence
-를 is attached to nouns ending in a vowel.
-을 is used for nouns ending in a consonant.
Example:
영화를 봤어요. → “I watched a movie.” (영화 ends in a vowel, so -를 is used.)
책을 읽었어요. → “I read a book.” (책 ends in a consonant, so -을 is used.)
Emphasizing the Object of an Action
Helps clarify what the subject is acting upon.
Example:
나는 사과를 먹었어요. → “I ate an apple.” (사과를 → The apple is the object.)
그는 나를 좋아해요. → “He likes me.” (나를 → “Me” is the object.)
Comparison with Other Particles
Unlike -이 / -가 (subject markers) or -은 / -는 (topic markers), -을 / -를 marks the object of the verb.
Example:
나는 김치를 먹어요. → “I eat kimchi.” (김치를 → direct object)
김치가 맛있어요. → “Kimchi is delicious.” (김치가 → subject)
Summary
-를 is the direct object marker, used when a noun ends in a vowel.
-을 is used when the noun ends in a consonant.
It identifies what the verb is acting upon.
Common examples:
문장을 쓰다 (“to write a sentence”)
사과를 먹다 (“to eat an apple”).