Only
There are multiple ways to say “only” in Korean. The two most common ways are:
- 만
- 밖
Saying “only” using 만
Section titled “Saying “only” using 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:
- I like only kimchi: 저는 김치만 좋아해요.
- Only I like kimchi: 저만 김치 좋아해요.
It can also be used between verbs that use 하다 with a noun.
Examples:
- I only study: 공부만 해요.
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” using 밖
Section titled “Saying “only” using 밖”We already know that 밖 means outside. For example: Ian is playing outside: 이안 씨는 밖에서 놀고 있어요.
But 밖 can also be used with the particle 에 and a negative verb to mean “only”.
Formula for 밖:
- Attach 밖에 directly after the noun without a space.
- Finish the sentence with a negative verb.
Examples:
- I only speak English:
저는 영어밖에 할 수 없어요. - I only have 10.000 Won:
저는 만 원밖에 없어요. - I only know this:
저는 이거밖에 몰라요. - Only one person did this:
한 면밖에 안 했어요.
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) 저는 채소만 먹어요.
B) 저는 채소밖에 안 먹어요.
Both of these forms have the same English translation, both mean “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.