Processing keyword: ~만 [man] (Only, just)

Korean Grammar Point: ~만 [man] (Only, just)

1. Introduction

The particle ~만 in Korean is used to express the meaning of "only" or "just". It emphasizes that the subject or object is exclusive or limited to a particular thing or action. Mastering the use of ~만 will enhance your ability to make specific and exclusive statements in Korean.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

~만 is attached directly to nouns, pronouns, numbers, and certain verb forms to indicate exclusivity. It signifies that nothing except what it is attached to is being referred to.

Structure and Formation

Basic Structure

• Noun/Pronoun + 만

  Component	Attachment	Meaning
  Noun/Pronoun	+ 만	Only [noun/pronoun]

• Examples:

  • 저만 알고 있어요.
    • Only I know.
  • 학생들만 교실에 있습니다.
    • Only students are in the classroom.
  • 오늘만 특별 세일이 있습니다.
    • There's a special sale today only.

With Verbs (Nominalization)

To use ~만 with verbs, nominalize the verb using ~기 or ~는 것 before attaching 만.

• Verb Stem + 기만 하다

  • Means to only do [verb]

  Component	Attachment	Meaning
  Verb Stem + 기	+ 만 하다	Only do [verb action]

• Examples:

  • 먹기만 해요.
    • I only eat.
  • 놀기만 합니다.
    • He only plays.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~만 with Similar Grammar Points

~뿐 [ppun] (Only, Just)

• Usage: Similar to ~만, but often used in the form ~을 뿐이다.
• Example:
  • 저는 듣기만 했어요. (I only listened.)
  • 저는 들었을 뿐이에요. (I just listened.)

~밖에 + Negative Verb (Nothing but)

• Usage: Indicates nothing but, and always used with negative verbs.
• Example:
  • 돈이 천 원밖에 없어요. (I have nothing but 1,000 won.)
  • 돈이 천 원만 있어요. (I have only 1,000 won.) Difference:
• ~만 is neutral and can be used in both positive and negative sentences.
• ~밖에 carries a negative connotation and must be followed by a negative verb form.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 회원만 입장 가능합니다.
   • Only members are allowed to enter.
2. 오늘 행사에는 초대된 손님들만 참석하실 수 있습니다.
   • Only invited guests may attend today's event.

Informal Context

1. 나만 그런 게 아니야.
   • It's not only me.
2. 우리만 알고 있자.
   • Let's keep it just between us.

Various Contexts

• Written:
  • 이 제품은 한국에서만 판매됩니다.
    • This product is sold only in Korea.
• Spoken:
  • 조금만 기다려 주세요.
    • Please wait just a moment.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• ~만 itself doesn't affect politeness level.
• Politeness is conveyed through verb endings and overall sentence structure.

  Politeness Level	Example	Translation
  Formal	저만 알았습니다.	Only I knew.
  Informal	나만 알았어.	Only I knew.

Idiomatic Expressions Using ~만

1. 당신만을 사랑해요.
   • I love only you.
2. 보는 것만으로도 행복해요.
   • Just by seeing it, I am happy.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect Placement of ~만
   • Incorrect: 만나는 친구.
     • Friend who meets.
   • Correct: 친구만 만나요.
     • I meet only friends.
2. Confusing with Other Particles
   • ~마다 means "every," not "only".
     • 날마다: Every day
     • 오늘만: Only today

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 만 as "man," a man standing alone to remember it means "only."
• Practice by Limiting: Use ~만 in sentences where you limit options to one, reinforcing its exclusive nature.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~만 is used to express "only" or "just" by attaching it to nouns, pronouns, or verbs.
• It emphasizes exclusivity in a sentence.
• Be cautious not to confuse ~만 with ~마다 (every) or ~밖에 (nothing but).

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 저는 물___ 마셔요. (I drink only water.)
   • Answer: 만 ⇒ 저는 물만 마셔요.
2. True or False: ~만 can be attached directly to verbs without any changes.
   • Answer: False (Verbs need to be nominalized first).
3. Identify the Error: 친구마다 만났어요. (I met every friend.)
   • Correction: 친구만 만났어요. (I met only friends.)

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Keep practicing using ~만 in various sentences to become comfortable with expressing exclusivity in Korean!

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