Korean Grammar Beginner -Particles- (12): N만

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Table of Contents 숨기기
I. Examples
II. Grammar Point
III. Practice
IV. See More

I. Examples

만 indicates the selection of one thing to the exclusion of others. It can be translated as ‘only’ or ‘just’ in English. When added after a number, it can also signify ‘minimum’. It is attached to the end of the chosen word or statement, emphasizing the exclusion of other options.

<Example 1>

  • 오늘 제이슨만 학교에 왔어요.
    (Today, only Jason came to school..)

<Example 2>

  • 5분만 기다려 주세요. 
    (Please wait for just five minutes.)

<Example 3>

  • 준호는 고기만 먹어요.
    (Junho only eats meat.)

II. Grammar Point

1. 만 + 이/은/을

The particle 만 can either replace the particles 이/가, 은/는, and 을/를, or it can be used in conjunction with them. In the latter case, 만 is placed first, followed by 이, 은, or 을, resulting in 만이, 만은, and 만을. However, since the usage frequency of “만이, 만은, 만을” is quite low, it is sufficient to know that such expressions exist without considering them as incorrect.

  • 수지만 세미나에 참석했어요. (O)
    = 수지만이 세미나에 참석했어요. (O)
  • 마르쿠스는 축구만 좋아해요. (O)
    = 마르쿠스는 축구만을 좋아해요. (O)

2. 에서/에게/까지 + 만

On the hand, when used with particles other than 이/가, 은/는, and 을/를, 만 follows the particle, forming 에서만, 에게만, and 까지만. However, it is notable that the usage frequency of “에서만, 에게만, 까지만” is quite higher than that of “만이, 만은, 만을”.

  • 수지는 학교에서만 공부하고 집에서는 공부하지 않아요.
    –> 수지는 학교만에서 (X)
    (Suzy only studies at school and does not study at home.)
  • 유진에게만 선물을 줬어요.
    –> 유진만에게 (X)
    (I only gave a gift to Eugene.)
  • 제이슨은 밤 8시까지만 공부해요.
    –> 제이슨은 밤 8시만까지 (X)
    (Jason studies only until 8 p.m.)

III. Practice

  • 캐럴과 댄 중에서 댄___ 미국사람이에요.
  • 그는 집말고 회사___ 일해요.

IV. See More

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