Korean · Greetings & Essentials
"Only" in Korean: …만
…만…man
Only in Korean is …만 (…man). 만 attaches directly to the limited noun or expression; its position determines what only applies to.
Only: starting the exchange
물만 주세요.mulman juseyo.
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How to pronounce …만
Say it
…man
/man/
…만 is read …man. In 저만 알아요, read the full phrase as jeoman arayo.
"Only" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| …만…man | Only The inventory form for only. | The inventory form for only. |
| 저만 알아요jeoman arayo | only I know 만 attaches directly to the limited noun or expression; its position determines what only applies to. | 만 attaches directly to the limited noun or expression; its position determines what only applies to. |
How to use …만 in real life
- 1Only: starting the exchange
물만 주세요.
mulman juseyo.
Please give me only water.
만 attaches directly to the limited noun or expression; its position determines what only applies to.
- 2Only: adding useful context
저만 집에 있어요.
jeoman jibe isseoyo.
Only I am at home.
This sentence places …만 in a complete exchange.
- 3Only: a different conversation
오늘만 쉬어요.
oneulman swieoyo.
I rest only today.
This sentence places …만 in a complete exchange.
Mistakes English speakers make with …만
Incorrect: 물만 주으세요.
Correct: 물만 주세요.
When practicing only, the vowel-final stem 주 takes 세요 directly; do not add 으. The complete correction is 물만 주세요.
Incorrect: 물만 주세요이에요.
Correct: 물만 주세요.
When practicing only, a conjugated predicate already finishes this sentence; do not append the noun copula 이에요. Keep the complete form 물만 주세요.
Good to know
만 attaches directly to the limited noun or expression; its position determines what only applies to.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led greetings and essentials study exercise: two sentences with …만
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
물만 주세요.
mulman juseyo.
Please give me only water.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
저만 집에 있어요.
jeoman jibe isseoyo.
Only I am at home.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
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FAQ
Common questions about "Only" in Korean
What does …만 mean?
Only in Korean is …만 (…man). 만 attaches directly to the limited noun or expression; its position determines what only applies to.
When should I say 저만 알아요?
만 attaches directly to the limited noun or expression; its position determines what only applies to.
How does 저만 알아요 differ from the basic expression?
저만 알아요 means “only I know”. 만 attaches directly to the limited noun or expression; its position determines what only applies to.
Can I use …만 in a full sentence?
물만 주세요. means “Please give me only water.” 만 attaches directly to the limited noun or expression; its position determines what only applies to.
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