나 vs 저: Korean's Two Words for "I"
10-Second Answer
나 (na) is the casual "I," used in banmal with close friends, younger people, or when thinking to yourself. 저 (jeo) is the humble, polite form — it literally lowers yourself to show respect to the listener — used in jondaemal. Match your "I" to your speech level, the same way you'd match any other ending.
나 vs 저 at a Glance
| Form | Speech level | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 나 (na) | Banmal (casual) | Close friends, younger people, talking to yourself |
| 저 (jeo) | Jondaemal (polite/humble) | Strangers, elders, formal or professional settings |
The Irregular Subject Form: 제가, Not 저가
When 저 combines with the subject marker 이/가, it contracts irregularly to 제가 — not the expected "저가." 나 does the same thing: 나 + 가 becomes 내가, not "나가." This is the same kind of irregular contraction as 누구 + 가 → 누가.
제가 할게요.
jega halgeyo.
I'll do it. (polite)
저 + 가 → 제가
내가 할게.
naega halge.
I'll do it. (casual)
나 + 가 → 내가
저는 vs 전, 나는 vs 난
Both pronouns also shorten with the topic marker 은/는 in casual speech: 저는 → 전, 나는 → 난. These contractions are common in speech and texting, in both speech levels.
Common Mistakes
Mistake #1 — Saying 저가 instead of 제가
저 + 가 always contracts to 제가 — "저가" isn't a real form.
Mistake #2 — Using 저 with close friends
저 sounds oddly distant and overly formal in a relationship where banmal (and 나) is expected.
Mini Quiz
1. What does 저 + 가 (subject marker) contract to?
2. What does 나 + 가 contract to?
3. When should you use 저 instead of 나?
Related Knowledge
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You've nailed "I" — next, a softer way to say "I don't know" that pairs naturally with polite 저.
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Start today's study →Last updated: 2026-08-10 · Written and reviewed by a native Korean speaker.