Processing keyword: 만 [man] (Only)
Korean Grammar Point: 만 [man] (Only)
1. Introduction
In Korean, the particle 만 [man] is used to express the meaning of "only" or "just." It is a versatile particle that can be attached to nouns, pronouns, verbs, and adverbs to limit or restrict the scope of a sentence to a particular element. Understanding how to use 만 correctly will enhance your ability to express exclusivity and emphasis in Korean.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning of 만
The particle 만 means "only", "just", or "nothing but". It is used to indicate that the action or state is limited exclusively to the noun or verb it is attached to.
Structure
Attaching 만 to Nouns and Pronouns
- Attach 만 directly after a noun or pronoun without any space. Formation:
| Noun/Pronoun | + | 만 |
|---|---|---|
| 친구 | + | 만 |
| 저 | + | 만 |
Example:
- 친구만 [chin-gu-man] - only friends
- 저만 [jeo-man] - only me
Attaching 만 to Verbs and Adjectives
- When attaching 만 to verbs or adjectives, it is combined with -기만 하다 or -만 하다 structures. Formation:
| Verb/Adjective Stem | + | -기만 하다 / -만 하다 |
|---|---|---|
| 먹다 | + | 먹기만 하다 |
| 듣다 | + | 듣기만 하다 |
Example:
- 먹기만 해요 [meok-gi-man hae-yo] - I only eat.
- 듣기만 해요 [deut-gi-man hae-yo] - I only listen.
Visual Aid: Using 만 in Sentences
A[Subject] -- 만 --> B[Action/Object]
- Subject만 + Verb/Object
- Subject + Object만 + Verb
3. Comparative Analysis
만 vs. 밖에
Both 만 and 밖에 express limitation, but they differ in usage and nuance.
| Particle | Usage | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 만 | Neutral limitation | Noun + 만 | 물만 마셔요. [mul-man ma-syeo-yo] I drink only water. |
| 밖에 | Limitation with negative verb | Noun + 밖에 + Negative Verb | 물밖에 없어요. [mul-bak-e eop-seo-yo] There is nothing but water. |
- 만 can be used in positive and negative sentences.
- 밖에 is used only with negative verbs to emphasize scarcity.
4. Examples in Context
Formal Situations
- 저는 진실만 말합니다. [jeo-neun jin-sil-man mal-ham-ni-da] I only tell the truth.
- 회원님들만 들어오실 수 있습니다. [hoe-won-nim-deul-man deu-reo-o-sil su it-seum-ni-da] Only members may enter.
Informal Situations
- 나만 믿어. [na-man mi-deo] Just trust me.
- 이거만 봐. [i-geo-man bwa] Look at only this.
Written Language
- 꿈은 노력하는 자만이 이룰 수 있다. [kkum-eun no-ryeok-ha-neun ja-man-i i-rul su it-da] Only those who work hard can achieve their dreams.
Spoken Language
- 오늘만 일찍 갈게요. [o-neul-man il-jjik gal-ge-yo] I'll leave early just for today.
5. Cultural Notes
Politeness and Formality
- Using 만 does not inherently carry a level of politeness or formality.
- Politeness is expressed through verb endings and honorifics attached to the verb, not through the particle 만.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 눈에 보이는 것만 믿어요. [nun-e bo-i-neun geot-man mi-deo-yo] I only believe what I see.
- 말만 앞세우지 마세요. [mal-man ap-se-u-ji ma-se-yo] Don't just put words forward (Don't just talk the talk).
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Misplacing 만 in a sentence
- Incorrect: 만 저는 사과를 먹었어요. (Only I ate an apple.)
- Correct: 저만 사과를 먹었어요.
- Using 밖에 with positive verbs
- Incorrect: 사과밖에 먹었어요. (I ate only apples.)
- Correct: 사과만 먹었어요.
Tips
- Position Matters: Place 만 immediately after the word you want to emphasize as "only."
- Context Clues: Pay attention to what is being limited in the sentence to use 만 correctly.
- Practice with Examples: Create sentences replacing different elements with 만 to see how the meaning changes.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- 만 means "only" or "just".
- Attach 만 directly after nouns, pronouns, or verb stems.
- To say "only do something," use the structure Verb Stem + -기만 하다.
- 만 can be used in both positive and negative sentences.
- Be mindful of word order to ensure the correct meaning.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you say "I only study Korean" in Korean?
- Answer: 저는 한국어만 공부해요.
- Which particle would you use to express "I have nothing but time"?
- Answer: 밖에 (시간밖에 없어요.)
- Correct the error: 저는 만 커피 마셔요.
- Corrected Sentence: 저는 커피만 마셔요.