밖에
Attached to a noun to emphasize that there is 'only' or 'nothing but' that specific thing or amount. It ALWAYS requires a negative verb or expression following it.
Summary
Equivalent
Only / Nothing but
Also: 만 (but with positive verbs)
Example
I have nothing but 1,000 won in my wallet. (I only have 1,000 won)
지갑에 1,000원밖에 없어요.
Grammar rules
- Attach '밖에' to the noun, followed by a negative like 없다, 안, or 못.
- It implies speaker's feeling of insufficiency or that the amount is smaller than expected.
- Cannot be used with imperative (-으세요) or propositive (-읍시다) endings.
물밖에 안 마시세요 (X) -> 물만 마시세요 (O) (Please only drink water)
Patterns
All Nouns
N/A · Noun + 밖에 + Negative Verb
Example sentences
I have nothing but 1,000 won in my wallet. (I only have 1,000 won)
지갑에 1,000원밖에 없어요.
We only have 10 minutes left. (Nothing but 10 minutes remaining)
시간이 10분밖에 안 남았어요.
I can only speak a little Korean.
저는 한국어를 조금밖에 못 해요.
Conversation
A: Did a lot of people come to the party?
파티에 사람이 많이 왔어요?
B: No, only 3 people arrived.
아니요, 3명밖에 안 왔어요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct negative 'only' particle.
Shortage.
Time left.