만 vs 밖에

Learn the difference between Korean 만 and 밖에: both mean “only,” but 밖에 pairs with negatives.

Quick takeaway

만 means “only” in affirmative sentences. 밖에 also means “only/nothing but,” but it must be used with a negative verb form.

Beginner

만

Only / Just

Attached to a noun to express limitation or exclusivity, meaning that something applies 'only' to that noun and nothing else.

When to use it

Affirmative “only”: 물만 마셨어요 (I drank only water).

Examples

  • 저는 커피만 마셔요.

    I only drink coffee.

  • 수업에 마이클 씨만 왔어요.

    Only Michael came to class.

  • 5분만 기다려 주세요.

    Please wait for just 5 minutes.

Full lesson
Beginner

밖에

Only / Nothing but

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.

When to use it

Negative “only/nothing but”: 물밖에 안 마셨어요 (I drank nothing but water).

Examples

  • 지갑에 1,000원밖에 없어요.

    I have nothing but 1,000 won in my wallet. (I only have 1,000 won)

  • 시간이 10분밖에 안 남았어요.

    We only have 10 minutes left. (Nothing but 10 minutes remaining)

  • 저는 한국어를 조금밖에 못 해요.

    I can only speak a little Korean.

Full lesson