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

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

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

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~기만 하다 is used to express a limited or exclusive action. It denotes that the subject is doing only that specific action, often indicating a sense of frustration or limitation. It translates roughly to "just" or "only" in English when emphasizing a singular action or quality.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The expression ~기만 하다 is used to emphasize that something is only happening in a limited way, often disregarding other possibilities or actions.
• Structure: The structure consists of a verb stem + 기 + 만 + 하다. Here’s how it breaks down:
  1. Take the verb you want to use.
  2. Convert it into its verb stem (remove the -다).
  3. Attach 기 to the verb stem.
  4. Add 만 and then 하다.

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

• Differences with Similar Grammar Points:
  • ~만: Just means "only" when placed immediately after nouns or verbs without the context of action emphasis.
  • ~거밖에 없다 (geobakke eopda): Means "nothing but," which can also imply limitation but doesn’t have the same verb focus.

Example Comparison

1. 식사만 했다 (I only ate food).
2. 식사기만 했다 (I limited myself to just eating).

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Context:

   • 저는 일하기만 했어요.
     (I just worked.)

2. Informal Context:

   • 게임기만 샀어.
     (I just bought a gaming console.)

3. Written Context:

   • 그 책은 읽기만 했지 다른 건 안 했어요.
     (I just read that book; I didn’t do anything else.)

4. Spoken Context:

   • 지금은 그냥 TV 보기만 해.
     (Right now, I’m just watching TV.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, expressing limitation or exclusivity can convey modesty or a reluctance to boast. Using ~기만 하다 can soften statements, making them less assertive.

Levels of Politeness

The level of politeness in the verbs used can shift the tone of the sentence but generally remains neutral with ~기만 하다.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 바쁜 일만 해 (I just do busy work): This implies doing tedious tasks without engaging in more meaningful activities.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Overuse: Beginners might use ~기만 하다 with too many actions, losing its emphasis. Remember it's used for singular limits.
• Verb Form Errors: Not properly changing the verb into the stem before adding 기 can lead to mistakes.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember "Just" as a way to limit your action. Imagine saying, "I just did this" to reinforce the concept of limitation.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~기만 하다 conveys a sense of limitation or exclusivity, similar to "just" or "only".
• Structure follows a specific verb formation pattern.
• Helps in modest communication, common in Korean cultural norms.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How would you say "I just studied" using ~기만 하다?
2. What is the difference between ~기만 하다 and ~만?
3. Provide a sentence using ~기만 하다 in an informal context.