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만 vs 밖에

Beginner · TOPIK I

Both mean 'only', but 만 is neutral and works in any sentence, while 밖에 must be followed by a negative predicate and stresses 'nothing but… (and that's not much)'.

만A postpositional particle used when limiting the field to one thing, excluding all the others.밖에A postpositional particle that means "except for that" or "other than that."

Rules of thumb

  • 밖에 always needs a negative: 없다, 안, 못, 모르다 (천 원밖에 없어요 'I only have 1,000 won').
  • 만 works in positive sentences, requests and suggestions (이것만 주세요 'Just this one, please').
  • 밖에 emphasises shortage or that something is not enough, often with regret or helplessness.
  • Same fact, different feel: 한 명만 왔어요 vs 한 명밖에 안 왔어요 — the second stresses how few came.

Example sentences

  • 만

    In the morning I only drink coffee.

  • 밖에

    I've only got 1,000 won in my wallet.

  • 만

    Please wait just a moment.

  • 밖에

    Only three people came to the party.

  • 저는 한국어밖에 알아요.

    Incorrect

    I only know Korean. [Wrong: 'bakke' needs a negative verb ('don't know'); with 'know' use 'man' instead]

Often confused with

← All confused pairs