Saying "only" with 만 and 밖에
There are multiple ways to say “only” in Korean. The two most common ways are:
- 만
- 밖
Saying “only” with 만
Section titled “Saying “only” with 만”만 can be attached directly after a word, it’s a particle. So it can attach directly to the subject or object of the sentence.
Examples:
저는 김치만 좋아해요.
I like only kimchi.
저만 김치 좋아해요.
Only I like kimchi.
It can also be used between verbs that use 하다 with a noun.
Examples:
공부만 해요.
I only study.
만 usually takes the place of any marker (like object marker, topic marker, subject marker). But it can be used together with the marker, in that case it’s placed before the marker, although this usage is less common, for example: 만은, 만을 or 만이.
Saying “only” with 밖
Section titled “Saying “only” with 밖”The word 밖 means outside. For example:
이안 씨는 밖에서 놀고 있어요.
Ian is playing outside.
But 밖 can also be used with the particle 에 and a negative verb to mean “only”.
Building the 밖에 form
Section titled “Building the 밖에 form”- Attach 밖에 directly after the noun without a space.
- Finish the sentence with a negative verb.
Examples:
저는 영어밖에 할 수 없어요.
I only speak English.
저는 만 원밖에 없어요.
I only have 10,000 won.
저는 이거밖에 몰라요.
I only know this.
한 명밖에 안 했어요.
Only one person did this.
The 밖에 form cannot be used with 아니다. It can also not be used with commands or suggestions.
Differences between 만 and 밖
Section titled “Differences between 만 and 밖”Let’s use this example:
A: Using 만
저는 채소만 먹어요.
I only eat vegetables.
B: Using 밖에
저는 채소밖에 안 먹어요.
I only eat vegetables.
Both forms have the same English translation: “I only eat vegetables.”
But option B sounds more natural.
밖에 has extra emphasis that something is lacking or missing. 만 does not have this emphasis.
So option B sounds more like the speaker is saying that eating only vegetables isn’t enough for them and that they maybe want to eat other things too.