Processing keyword: ~기만 하다 [giman hada] (Just)

Korean Grammar Point: ~기만 하다 [giman hada] (Just)

1. Introduction

The grammar pattern ~기만 하다 is used in Korean to express the meaning of "only" or "just" doing a particular action. It emphasizes that someone does nothing but the specified action, excluding all other activities.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ~기만 하다 conveys that the subject only performs a specific action and does nothing else.
• It highlights the exclusivity or limitation to a single action.

Structure

Verb Stem + 기만 하다

Formation Diagram

Step	Example
1. Base Verb	먹다 (to eat)
2. Remove '다'	먹
3. Add '기만 하다'	먹기만 하다
Resulting Meaning	"Just eat"

More Examples

Verb	Stem	~기만 하다 Form	Meaning
자다 (to sleep)	자	자기만 하다	Just sleep
듣다 (to listen)	듣	듣기만 하다	Just listen
공부하다 (to study)	공부하	공부하기만 하다	Just study

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing with Similar Grammar Points

~만 하다

• Usage: Attach directly to nouns to mean "only" that noun.
• Example: 물만 마셔요. (I drink only water.)

~기만 하다

• Usage: Attach to verb stems (after nominalizing the verb with ~기) to mean "just" doing that action.
• Example: 일하기만 해요. (I just work.)

Nuance Differences

• ~만 하다 emphasizes exclusivity of an object or noun.
• ~기만 하다 emphasizes exclusivity of an action or verb.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 저는 듣기만 합니다.
   • I just listen.
2. 그는 일하기만 합니다.
   • He only works.

Informal Conversations

1. 너는 놀기만 해.
   • You just play.
2. 우리는 먹기만 했어.
   • We just ate.

Written Context

1. 학생들은 공부하기만 했다.
   • The students only studied.
2. 그 사람은 기다리기만 했다.
   • That person just waited.

Spoken Language

1. 요즘 운동하기만 해요.
   • These days, I just exercise.
2. 아이들이 웃기만 해요.
   • The children just laugh.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Using ~기만 하다 can sometimes imply neglect of other responsibilities.
  • Example: 일하기만 하면 건강을 잃을 수 있어요.
    • If you just work, you might lose your health.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Formal Polite: 기만 합니다.
• Informal Polite: 기만 해요.
• Casual: 기만 해.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 생각하기만 해도: Just thinking about it...
  • Example: 생각하기만 해도 기뻐요.
    • Just thinking about it makes me happy.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Forgetting to Nominalize the Verb
   • Incorrect: 먹만 하다
   • Correct: 먹기만 하다
2. Confusing with ~만 하다
   • Incorrect: 공부만 하다 (When intended to say "just study" as an action)
   • Correct: 공부하기만 하다

Learning Strategies

• Tip: Remember that ~기 turns verbs into nouns, allowing you to use 만 하다 after verbs.
• Mnemonic: Think "Verb + 기" (to make it a noun) "만 하다" (only do that).

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~기만 하다 is used to express "just" or "only" performing an action.
• Attach ~기만 하다 to the verb stem.
• It's important to nominalize the verb with ~기 before adding 만 하다.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the Blank: To say "She just reads," you say 그녀는 읽___ ___ 하다.
   • Answer: 그녀는 읽기만 하다.
2. True or False: "~만 하다" can be used with verb stems without modification.
   • Answer: False. Verbs need to be nominalized using ~기.
3. Correct the Sentence: 나는 기다만 했어요.
   • Answer: 나는 기달기만 했어요. (Wait = 기다리다, so it should be 기다리기만 했어요.)

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By understanding and practicing ~기만 하다, you'll be able to express actions that are done exclusively, enhancing your ability to convey nuances in Korean.

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