Only (만)
만
A particle meaning 'only' or 'just', limiting the scope to one thing.
Pattern
Noun + 만 (+ other particles)
Explanation
만 is a particle that means 'only' or 'just'. It attaches to nouns to limit the scope of the statement. 물만 마셔요 means 'I only drink water'. It can replace or be added alongside other particles: 나만 (only me), 여기에서만 (only here).
When 만 is combined with other particles, the order matters. Subject/object particles can be dropped: 나만 갔어요 (Only I went) instead of 나만이 갔어요. Location particles follow 만: 여기에서만 (only here), 한국에만 (only to Korea).
만 can also attach to verb forms: -기만 하다 means 'only do' something: 먹기만 해요 (I only eat / All I do is eat). This extended usage adds emphasis. 만 is one of the most frequently used limiting particles and is essential for expressing preferences and restrictions.
Examples
커피만 마셔요.
Keopiman masyeoyo.
I only drink coffee.
주말에만 운동해요.
Jumareman undonghaeyo.
I only exercise on weekends.
조금만 기다려 주세요.
Jogeumman gidaryeo juseyo.
Please wait just a moment.
한국어만 공부하고 있어요.
Hangugeoman gongbuhago isseoyo.
I'm only studying Korean.
나만 모르고 있었어요.
Naman moreugo isseosseoyo.
Only I didn't know.
Common Mistakes
Wrong
커피를만 마셔요.
Correct
커피만 마셔요.
When using 만, the object particle 를 is typically dropped. 만 replaces it.
Wrong
나만이 갔어요.
Correct
나만 갔어요.
While 만이 is grammatically possible, it is uncommon. Usually the subject particle is dropped with 만.
Related Grammar Points
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