Beginner (JSON) Estimated read: 3 mins

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

1

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.