Difference between who: 누가 and 누구

[denrholmes_226926]

In flashcard practice I came across two slightly different versions for "who", but there isn't an explanation of when to use the different versions, or whether they're interchangeable. Does anyone know the difference between 누가 and 누구?
Thanks!

[community.korean]

Hi there,

누가 is a contraction of 누구 and the subject particle 가. So instead of 누구가, it becomes just 누가 when "who" is the subject of the sentence.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Claire
Team KoreanClass101.com

[denrholmes_226926]

Thanks for the explanation. It helps and I'm sure it will be clearer once I learn sentences using those words.

[team.relationships]

Hi there,

Great! Don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions.

Regards,
Erica
Team KoreanClass101.com

[andy_227977]

While my understand is the same as the staff that have posted here already, another way that may help you remember it is to think of them as two separate words:

누가 = who (subject)
누구 = whom (object)

Of course, I think it's only English people that have kept the who/whom distinction (and even then most people don't use it), but thought I'd post it in case it triggers something in your mind.

http://www.elearnenglishlanguage.com/bl ... o-vs-whom/

[community.korean]

Hi Andy,

Thank you for posting.

That is an interesting way to differentiate the two.
Meanwhile, 누가 can be translated as "who" or "whom."

By adding the subject marking particle, 가, you can emphasize the subject and show ‘who’ did something.
누가 is used to emphasize ‘who’ as the subject of an action or state.

Regards,
Claire
Team KoreanClass101.com